Abstract

Reducing friction and wear is crucial for efficiency and longevity in tribological systems. Solid lubricant nanoparticles show great potential in this context but lack deposition control methods and tribological performance investigations under conditions closer to real systems. The present study used drop -casting to deposit multi -layer graphene (MLG) and carbide -derived carbon (CDC) nanoparticles on AISI1020 steel substrates. Tribological performance was evaluated using a ball on flat tests with an incremental load increase in a reciprocating motion. Results indicate a minimum coverage threshold for effective lubrication and highlight substrate topography 's critical role. This research enhances understanding of nanoparticle deposition process optimization and control, showing an excellent tribological performance of MLG and CDC nanoparticles in solid lubricated systems.