Effect of C-60 fullerene, fullerene-containing soot, and other carbon materials on the sliding edge friction of metals

A comparative study of different carbon materials (C-60 fullerene; soot, bo th with and without fullerenes; graphite; and industrial carbon black) as a dditives to industrial lubricating oils has been carried out for copper-ste el and steel-steel sliding couples. The soot containing fullerene and the p owder of pure fullerene produce a noticeable improvement in the antifrictio n and antiwear properties of steel-steel and steel-copper couples, especial ly under heavy loads and pressures at the contact. The greatest improvement was observed for the steel-steel couple. Structural-mechanical studies wer e carried out for copper riders and it has been demonstrated by several met hods that the addition of the C-60 fullerene (pure fullerene or as a fuller ene-containing soot) creates a fullerene-polymer film on the frictional sur face about 1000 Angstrom thick, which has a protective effect. (C) 2000 MAI K "Nauka/Interperiodica".