A Preliminary Investigation of Graphite, Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes (CNT´s) as Solid State Lubricants

Graphite is well known and has been extensively characterized in its performance as a solid state lubricant, but has not typically been successfully implemented for low voltage/current electrical contacts. Recent advances have shown that both graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNT) exhibit novel properties and could find potential use as solid state lubricants. A comparison of various properties including contact resistance and friction behavior on Au, Ag, and Sn surface finishes has been undertaken to explore the similarities and differences in these different forms of carbon.