https://doi.org/10.1007/s100510050049
Very low friction for natural diamond in water of different pH values
PCS, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge,
Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OHE, UK
Received:
15
September
1999
Published online: 15 February 2000
Very high reductions in the friction coefficient are reported for natural diamond sliding upon natural diamond when water is introduced at the interface of contact. This reduction is found to depend on the pH value of the water, the load and the sliding velocity. The results are interpreted in terms of the reduction of adhesion due to adsorption of the liquid on the surface, and of graphitisation occurring during sliding, with graphite acting as a lubricant.
PACS: 81.40.Pq – Friction, lubrication and wear / 46.55.+d – Tribology and mechanical contacts / 81.05.Tp – Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds graphite
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag, 2000
