The effect of sliding velocity on the tribological properties of polymer/carbon nanotube composites

Molecular models containing iron atoms as the top nanorod and bottom layer and the polymer/carbon nanotube composite as the core are constructed. The friction coefficients and abrasion rates are examined by sliding the iron nanorod on the surface of the composites subjected to a series of sliding velocities via molecular dynamics simulations. The results reveal that the friction coefficients and abrasion rates of the CNT/Polymer composites decrease from 0.356 to 0.322 and 26%-6% respectively under sliding velocities from 0.01 to 0.11 Å/ps. Physical interpretations on the findings are also provided.