Summary: | Using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with ReaxFF potential, two different types of PFPE lubricants (Ztetraol and ZTMD) are prepared on a-C film, and SiO<sub>2</sub> particles are adsorbed onto the lubricants at room temperature. From the simulation results, it is observed that the adsorbed SiO<sub>2</sub> particles increase the stiffness of PFPE lubricants leading to less airshear displacement. Since Ztetraol has higher mobility with lower viscosity than ZTMD, the adsorbed SiO<sub>2</sub> particles penetrate deeper into the Ztetraol lubricants. Accordingly, the effect of SiO<sub>2</sub> on the airshear displacement is more obvious to Ztetraol than ZTMD. In addition, the adsorbed SiO<sub>2</sub> particles increase the friction force and the amount of lubricant pick-up during the sliding contact with a nanosized a-C tip.
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