# Optimizing the Tribological Performance of Graphite–Resin Composites: The Role of High Crystallinity, Nano Morphology, and Hydrophobic Surface Modification

## TL;DR

This paper explores how natural and artificial graphite affect the lubrication performance of graphite-resin composites, finding that natural graphite provides stable friction while artificial graphite improves oil absorption.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach to optimizing tribological performance by combining natural/artificial graphite ratios with hydrophobic surface modification.

## Key findings

- Natural graphite provides dense structures and stable friction behavior in composites.
- Artificial graphite enhances oil impregnation but causes unstable friction.
- Hydrophobic treatment and high crystallinity improve lubrication film stability.

## Abstract

Graphite, with its layered structure and weak van der Waals bonding between graphene nano layers, exhibits excellent self-lubricating properties. Natural graphite, characterized by high crystallinity, and artificial graphite, with relatively low crystallinity, exhibit distinct friction behaviors and structural differences, which significantly influence the performance of graphite–resin composites as solid lubricants. This study investigates the effects of natural/artificial graphite ratios and hydrophobic silane coupling treatment on the oil impregnation behavior, friction coefficient, wear stability, and microstructural changes in graphite–resin composites. Under a vertical load of 88,260 N and surface pressure of 50 MPa, the impregnated graphite–resin composites demonstrated low friction coefficients and stable wear behavior. SEM analysis revealed well-preserved microstructures, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of stable lubrication films through the ID/IG ratio, indicating graphene exfoliation. The results indicate that natural graphite provides dense structures and stable friction, while artificial graphite enhances oil impregnation but leads to unstable friction behavior.