Industrial Lubrication and Tribology

Review of tribological behavior of graphene coatings on piston rings in engines

Zeynep Burcu Acunaş Karagöz, Selman Demirtaş, Hakan Kaleli, Levent Yüksek, Emre Çıtak,
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Zeynep Burcu Acunaş Karagöz, Selman Demirtaş, Hakan Kaleli, Levent Yüksek, Emre Çıtak, (2019) "Review of tribological
behavior of graphene coatings on piston rings in engines", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, https://doi.org/10.1108/
ILT-06-2018-0233
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 Review of tribological behavior of graphene
coatings on piston rings in engines
 Karagöz and Selman Demirtas
Zeynep Burcu Acunas 
Department of Mechanical Engineering Energy Division, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
Hakan Kaleli
Department of Mechanical Engineering Automotive Division, Yildiz Technical University, Besiktas
, Turkey
Levent Yüksek
Department of Mechanical Engineering Automotive Division, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey, and
Emre Çıtak
GrafenBioTech Nano Teknoloji Mühendislik San. ve Tic. Ltd. S ti, Konya, Turkey

Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to find out friction and wear characteristics of graphene and graphene coating deposited by the Chemical Vapor
Deposition (CVD) process on Honda GX270 engine (nodular cast iron) piston rings experimentally investigated under boundary lubricated conditions.
Design/methodology/approach – This study consists of two stages: tribotest and engine tests. First test was conducted through a reciprocating
Downloaded by Professor Hakan Kaleli At 14:18 31 January 2019 (PT)

tribotest machine and second test was conducted through an engine bench with a duration of 75h. Engine piston ring was coated with graphene by
two different methods: transfer method and direct CVD method.
Findings – Graphene has been demonstrated to be a potential and promising candidate for wear- and scratch-resistant coating because it is the
thinnest, lightest and strongest known nanomaterial. In this case, the ability of a mono-layer graphene film to withstand high pressure differences (6
atm) indicates its mechanical robustness. It can effectively prevent or reduce mechanical failure by strengthening and toughening the loaded surface
as well as by transferring the stress throughout the structure. The positive tribological outcomes of the graphene reinforced material under various
dynamic loads revealed the potential of graphene-based coatings in macro - and micro-tribology.
Originality/value – This study fulfils an identified need to study for automotive industry a coating which is wear and scratch resistant.
Keywords CVD method, Graphene coating, Surface characterization
Paper type Research paper

1. Summary deposited on uncoated (where the coating is removed by acid

Graphene has drawn much attention of scholars and
researchers because of its extraordinary electrical, mechanical
and thermal properties (Tan et al., 2018). This review focuses
on the friction and wear characteristics transferring synthesized
method of graphene and graphene coating deposited by
Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) process on Honda
GX270 engine (nodular cast iron) piston rings experimentally
investigated under boundary lubricated conditions.
First, it is synthesized graphene with Cu CVD method.
Then, it is transferred as monolayer graphene flakes coating on
piston ring surface. Graphene is directly grown on metal
surface of cast iron rings. As the coating process was not
successful on Honda GX270 engine first and second rings by
chemical vapor deposition at atmospheric pressure (APCVD)
using argon/hydrogen flux and methane gas (114M833, 2017),
after long essays the graphene coating was successfully
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method) and chromium-coated piston rings, as multilayer and
monolayer respectively, by direct synthesized CVD method
under vacuum conditions (LACVD) chemical vapor
deposition at low atmospheric pressure using hydrogen flux
synthesizing with hexane vapor in new design CVD reactor.
In both coating methods, successful Raman results were
shown by the analysis carried out with green laser at 532 nm
wave length in Raman Microscopy. Raman peaks such as
1581 and 1582 cm 1bands and 2D peaks at 2700 cm 1 band
were determined. This prosperous coating belongs to
GrafenBioTech Nanotechnology engineering Ltd. in
Some part of this work is related to the second and third part of the report
of the Joint Research and Development Project Number114M833 signed
and accepted between 2510-The Scientific and Technological Research
Council of Turkey and The Ministry of Higher Education Scientific
Research of Tunisia. The authors would like to thank Yves Berthier
(Lamcos INSA de Lyon, France) for providing and supporting Digital
Optical Microscope, SEM-EDX analyses during the project mission.
Especially, the authors would like to thank Professor Dae-Eun Kim
(Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University Center for
Nano-Wear) offering the facilities of 3D Digital Confocal Optical
Microscope, SEM-EDX analysis.

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology Received 10 June 2018

© Emerald Publishing Limited [ISSN 0036-8792] Revised 3 July 2018
[DOI 10.1108/ILT-06-2018-0233] Accepted 4 July 2018
 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.
Konya-TURKEY. Protocol is signed between us for the
intellectual property rights. Metallurgical analysis of the
samples was carried out using a three-dimensional (3D)
confocal digital optical, scanning electron microscopy
(SEM)-EDX and atomic force microscopy (AFM). While
additive layers were formed on the rubbed surface of both
piston rings and cylinder liner in tribometer tests, they were
only detected at the Top Dead Center (TDC) of cylinder
liner in engine tests. Any additive protective layers were
detected on the piston ring during engine tests. The new
CVD graphene coating showed worst performance (less
power) for engine tests because of the temperature effect on
ring distortion.
2. Introduction
The synthesis of a high-quality graphene coating, using
conventional CVD methods, requires substrate temperatures
>800°C. For more industrially relevant scenarios, recent
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studies have shown the synthesis of graphene coatings directly
on steel and Fe surfaces to be possible. The high growth
temperatures are, however, in many cases problematic when
dealing with alloys and steels, because of phase changes and
resulting reductions in mechanical properties (Kyhl et al.,
2015).
In this experimental work, the friction and wear
characteristics of graphene coating deposited by CVD process
using two methods (with transfer and directly) on Honda
GX270 engine (nodular cast iron) piston rings under boundary
lubricated conditions were investigated.
Figure 4 3D confocal and AFM roughness of new uncoated second piston ring of Honda GX270 engine
Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
Taking into account previous formal testing conditions of
colorful protective layers of additives under boundary
lubrication conditions, tribological performance of uncoated
and graphene coated napier type second piston rings (see
Figure 1: https://figshare.com/articles/Figure_1/7140632),
which were rubbed against cylinder liner under boundary
lubricating conditions with a reciprocating tribotest rig, is
determined and engine duration tests were carried out in a
single cylinder spark ignition Honda GX 270 test engine under
identical operating conditions for 75 hours using 5W-40 fully
synthetic commercial lubricating oil. It should be noted that
only tribometer tests were carried out with transfer method of
graphene on the piston ring. Metallurgical analysis of the
samples was carried out using a Digital Laser Optical, Scanning
Electron Microscopy (SEM)-EDX and Atomic Force
Microscopy (AFM).
3. Experimental details
Before applying graphene coating on piston ring, Ba is removed
by acidic method from original new second piston ring. As seen
in Figures 2(a) and (b), (see link https://figshare.com/s/1f9f
37276cbcd0783769), Ba is removed by chemical process to
compare different coatings.
In Figure 3 (https://figshare.com/s/c31f285d0bcab73d40a3),
the material of the second ring is nodular or spheroidal graphite
cast iron. Original surface is protected and Fe, C, Mn, Si, Ca
and Cr were detected in its structure (Figure 4).
In Figure 5 (https://figshare.com/s/f8a925271767cb27e98c),
material of second ring is nodular or spheroidal graphite cast
 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.
iron and coated by chromium for compression work. Fe, C, Al,
Si and Cr are detected in structure of original surface.
The material of liner is grey cast iron. The honing marks are
clearly visible in Figures 6(a), (b) and (C) (see link https://
figshare.com/s/7ab6a4290dc9afab8e75). Fe, C, Si, Mn and
small amount of Cr are detected in structure of original surface
(Figure 7).
The work consists of tribotest and engine tests. First test was
conducted through a reciprocating tribotest machine (see link
Figure 8: https://figshare.com/s/64f80f88feb8b3847e2b) and
second test was conducted through an engine bench with a
duration of 75h (Figure 9: https://figshare.com/s/58a47a79
ed6c6985a725) at YILDIZ Technical University, Mechanical
Engineering Automotive Laboratory, Istanbul with 5W-40 fully
synthetic commercial lubricating oil. The parameters of
tribological test are summarized in Table I and operating
conditions of engine duration tests in Table II.
Figure 10 (see link https://figshare.com/s/60322ad5dcb07cc
bdacb) shows the preparation of piston ring and cylinder
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specimens; Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are piston ring and liner
cut from a new Honda Engine GX-270 for Tribometer tests.
Figures 10(c) and 10(d) present ready specimens with contact
position in reciprocating sliding direction.
3.1 Coating graphene by transfer method
Graphene is transferred by copper etching method on FeCl 3
solution. First, the copper foil on which the graphene layers
are placed is positioned on the flat surface which is adhered
by vacuum to the center of rotary coating device (see link
Figure 7 3D confocal and AFM roughness of new cylinder liner of Honda GX270 engine
Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
Figure 11: https://figshare.com/s/42991e4cbd8225a9e036).
Then, polymethyl-methacrylate solution prepared with
chloroform is dropped onto the sample and coating process
is carried out (Van Ngoc et al., 2016) (see link Figure 12:
https://figshare.com/s/2756fae2c861fe417bac).
High-quality graphene sheets are obtained on desired
substrate (see link Figure 13: https://figshare.com/s/1457
b6c7be9f01affaad).
3.2 Coating engine piston ring with graphene by transfer
method
As shown in Figures 14(a), (b) and (c), the uncoated ring is
coated by new Cu CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition)
synthesized with transfer method of graphene (monolayer)
coating by Chemical Engineer Emre ÇITAK from
GrafenBiotech Ltd. company in Konya TURKEY [see
Figures 15(a) and (b): https://figshare.com/s/30dbd5ffd4d6f
2df2074].
Figure 16 presents new uncoated and new transfer graphene-
coated second piston rings. Difference can be clearly seen as
graphene has well covered the porous structure of spheroidal
pattern.
In Figure 17 (see link https://figshare.com/s/d9c816c67ae
07d16684d), carbon element increased from 30 to 60 per cent
as atomic. This shows well deposition of CVD synthesized
transfer coating on the surface of piston ring as monolayer.
In Figure 18 (see link https://figshare.com/s/b3ebe12b1af02
12d499), Ra is measured as 384 nm in small area with AFM
and 0.1 m m in large area with digital microscope.
 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.
Table I Experimental parameters in tribometer
Load (N)
Frequency (Hz)
Stroke (mm)
Oil temperature
Test duration (min)
Table II Operating conditions of engine duration tests
Test variable
Engine load (%)
Engine speed (rpm)
Ambient temperature (Celsius)
Test duration (hours)
3.3 Coating engine piston ring with graphene by direct
CVD method
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As the coating process was not successful on Honda GX270
engine rings by chemical vapor deposition at atmospheric
pressure using argon/hydrogen flux and methane gas as shown
in Figure 19, after long essays, the graphene coating was
successfully deposited on uncoated and chromium coated
piston rings, as multilayer and monolayer respectively, by direct
synthesized CVD method under vacuum conditions using
hydrogen flux synthesizing with hexane vapor in new design
CVD reactor (114M833, 2017).
Successful Raman results were shown by the analysis carried
out with Green Laser at 532 nm wave length in Raman
Microscopy. Raman peaks such as 1581 and 1582 cm 1 bands
and 2D peaks at 2700 cm 1 band were determined (Figures 20
and 21). This prosperous coating belongs to GrafenBioTech
Nanotechnology engineering Ltd. in Konya-Turkey. Protocol is
signed between the authors for the intellectual property rights.
Figure 14 Coating engine piston ring with graphene by transfer method
Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
Secondarily, graphene is directly grown on metal surface of
chromium coated cast iron first piston ring (as monolayer)
60
2
[Figures 22 (a) and (b)] and uncoated second nodular graphite
10 cast iron piston ring (as multilayer) [Figures 22(c) and (d)] with
99°c CVD method by Chemical Engineer Emre ÇITAK from
21 GrafenBiotech Ltd. company in Konya Turkey.
Graphene has well covered the porous structure of
spheroidal pattern in Figures 23(b) and (d) compared to
Figures 23 (a) and (c).
In Figures 24 and 25, graphene has well covered the porous
Value
structure with spherical nanoparticles detected in higher
75 magnification.
2500 Figure 26 presents graphene coated piston rings. Coating
22 6 3 particles are visible and Ra is measured as 479 nm for
75 multilayer and 113nm for monolayer graphene coating in small
area with AFM.
4. Discussion and results
Tribological performance of uncoated and graphene coated
napier type second piston rings is determined and engine
duration tests were carried out in a single cylinder spark ignition
Honda GX 270 under identical operating conditions for 75
hours using 5W-40 fully synthetic commercial lubricating oil.
Positive side of friction coefficient presents forward
direction, while negative side shows backward direction
because of the reciprocating motion. The liner is cut very
precisely and the conical form influences slightly the friction
coefficient. It is higher in forward direction and lower in
backward direction. In all cases, friction coefficient is
comparable. A lower friction coefficient in the presence of
graphene additives suggests improved tribological
characteristics in the boundary and mixed lubrication regimes.
According to friction coefficient results of rings rubbed
against cylinder liners in Tribometer, Figure 27 shows that Cu-
 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.
Figure 16 SEM of piston rings from lower to high magnifications of
Honda GX270 engine
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CVD synthesized transfer graphene coated piston ring
presented lower friction coefficient 0.096783 and Figure 28
shows that multilayer and monolayer graphene-coated rings
presented lower friction coefficient 0.0942 and 0.0924,
respectively, than uncoated ring as 0.15.
Optical-SEM-EDX and AFM techniques were applied to
determine surface morphology and chemistry of piston rings
and cylinder liner tested in tribometer and engine. TDC of
cylinder liner is analyzed for engine test.
Figure 29 (see link https://figshare.com/s/c877e18e4635d
91083b9) (a) is optical microscopy view of colorful protective
layers of rubbed surface. Original finishing marks were
removed and replaced by parallel abrasive wear lines as shown
Figure 19 Raman spectra of unsuccessful graphene coating with APCVD method on (a), (b) uncoated and (c), (d) chromium-coated piston rings
Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
in Figures 29(b), (c) and (d). Yellow arrows present graphitic
structure formed on the wear track. Figures 29(e), (f) and (g)
are X-ray analysis of elemental accumulation of additives such
as Zn, Ca, P and S detected from protective layers. The data
and mix of colorful pattern is well shown in Figure 29(h).
In Figure 30 (see link https://figshare.com/s/33f
492d945cb0e43020b), Ra is measured as 99 nm in small area
with AFM and 0.1 m m in large area with digital microscope.
Figure 31 (see link https://figshare.com/s/ce080f35cc
75b8316a3f) (a) is optical microscopy view of colorful
protective layers of rubbed surface. This surface is presented in
Figures 31(b), (c) and (d) with SEM under three
magnifications such as X750, X3000 and X5000, respectively.
Figures 31(e), (f), (g) are X-ray analysis of elemental
accumulation of additives such as Zn, Ca, P and S detected
from protective layers. Original finishing marks were removed
and replaced by homogeneous surface degradation as shown by
yellow arrows. The data and mix of colorful pattern is well
shown in Figure 31(h). There is a homogeneous plastic
deformation which makes the surface smooth and reactive
providing better surface degradation, this allows quick surface
reaction between the lubricants and sliding pairs.
In Figure 32 (see link https://figshare.com/s/8aa949157f8
bbcacb42e), Ra is measured as 26 nm in small area with AFM
and 0.1 m m in large area with digital microscope. This surface
is much more smooth and well-degraded compared to non-
rubbed cylinder liner.
Figure 33 (see link https://figshare.com/s/a4445546be7d565
d5cfc) (a) is optical microscopy view of colorful protective
layers of rubbed surface. Original finishing marks were
removed and replaced by parallel abrasive wear lines as shown
in Figures 33(b), (c) and (d). Figures 33 (e), (f) and (g) are
X-ray analysis of high elemental accumulation of additives such
as Zn, Ca, P and S detected from protective layers and C
mostly from coating. The elemental data and mix of colorful
 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.

Figure 20 (a) Raman spectra of successful multilayer graphene coating with direct synthesized CVD method under vacuum conditions (LACVD)
chemical vapor deposition at low atmospheric pressure on (b), (c) and (d) uncoated piston ring before test
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Figure 21 (a) Raman spectra of successful monolayer graphene coating with direct synthesized CVD method under vacuum conditions (LACVD)
chemical vapor deposition at low atmospheric pressure on (b), (c) and (d) chromium-coated first piston ring before test

Figure 22 (a), (b) graphene grown on metal surface of chromium coated on nodular graphite cast iron first piston ring (as monolayer); (c), (d) graphene
grown on uncoated second nodular graphite cast iron piston ring (as multilayer)
 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.
Figure 23 SEM of piston rings in high magnifications
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pattern is well shown in Figures 33(h) and (i) where red color
shows only carbon protection.
In Figure 34 (see link https://figshare.com/s/10a56793183a
121ed461), Ra is measured as 828 nm in small area with AFM
and 0.2 m m in large area with digital microscope. This surface
is more rough compared to non-rubbed CVD synthesized
graphene coated of second piston ring.
Figure 35 (see link https://figshare.com/s/63a91c5ac3ae3ea9
e364)(a) is optical microscopy view of colorful protective layers
of rubbed surface. This surface is presented in Figures 35(b),
(c) and (d)with SEM under three magnifications such as
X500, X1000 and X2500, respectively. Original finishing
marks were removed and replaced by homogeneous surface
degradation. Figures 35(e), (f) and (g) are X-ray analysis of
high elemental accumulation of additives such as Zn, Ca, P
and S detected from protective layers and some C from ring
coating. The elemental data and mix of colorful pattern is well
shown in Figures 35(h) and (i) where red color shows only
carbon protection.
In Figure 36 (see link https://figshare.com/s/35022ea41e
9b66c077a8), Ra is measured as 115 nm in small area with
AFM and 0.1 m m in large area with digital microscope.
Figure 37 (see link https://figshare.com/s/f3711682b94c6444
b436) (a, d) is optical microscopy of multilayer and monolayer
CVD coated piston rings with colorful protective layers covering
rubbed surface. CVD coated graphene nano-particles
represented in Figures 37(b) and (e) stuck on the surface and
combined by additives in oil creating protective layers. Figures 37
(c) and (f) are X-ray analysis of elemental accumulation of
additives such as Zn, Ca, P, S and high amount of C detected
from protective layers. Yellow circles show graphene structure
with adhesion on the wear track.
Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
Figures 38 (see link https://figshare.com/s/2ac24c36d07731
a11d60) (a), (b) and (c) are SEM images of graphene
nanoparticles that were stuck on the rubbed surface and
combined by additives in oil creating protective layers. Figures
38(d) and (c) are X-ray analysis of elemental accumulation of
additives such as Zn, Ca, P, S and high amount of C detected
from protective layers. Yellow circles show graphene structure
with adhesion on the wear track. The elemental data and mix of
colorful pattern is well shown in Figures 38(f) and (g) where red
color shows only graphene nanoparticle.
In Figure 39 (see link https://figshare.com/s/d3db5c421fe758ce4861),
Ra is measured as 125 nm in small area with AFM and 0.1 m m
in large area with digital microscope. This surface is less rough
compared to non rubbed multilayer CVD graphene coated of
second piston ring.
Figures 40 (see link https://figshare.com/s/a540df4ec6d89fac
3df7) (a) and (b) are SEM images of graphene nanoparticles
that were stuck on the rubbed surface and combined by
additives in oil creating protective layers. Figures 40(c)and (d)
are X-ray analysis of elemental accumulation of additives such
as Zn, Ca, P, S and high amount of C detected from protective
layers. Yellow circle shows graphene structure with adhesion on
the wear track. The elemental data and mix of colorful pattern
is shown in Figures 40(e) and (f) where red color shows only
graphene nanoparticle at higher magnification.
In Figure 41 (see link https://figshare.com/s/c119322be37aef
df6019), Ra is measured as 136 nm in small area with AFM and
0.5 m m in large area with digital microscope. This surface is
more rough compared to non-rubbed multilayer CVD
graphene coated of first piston ring.
Figures 42 (see link https://figshare.com/s/ade7fcfe5a04f46ac
380) (a) and (d) are optical microscopy of multilayer and
monolayer CVD-coated piston rings. Graphene nanoparticles
 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.

Figure 24 Optical, SEM and X-ray analysis of new monolayer graphene coated first piston ring before test
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 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.

Figure 25 Optical, SEM and X-ray analysis of new multilayer graphene-coated second piston ring before test
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 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.

Figure 26 3D digital optical, AFM and roughness parameters of piston rings

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Figure 27 Friction coefficient evaluations of piston rings against cylinder liner

Figure 28 Friction coefficient evaluations of piston rings against cylinder liner

 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.
are detected from multilayer and monolayer CVD-coated
piston rings during engine test as shown in Figures 42(b) and
(e), any additive elements are not found on wear track as
shown in Figures 42(c) and (f) with X-ray analysis. Yellow
circles show graphene structure with adhesion on the wear
track.
Figure 43 (see link https://figshare.com/s/6dcf2ee2156d435
d70c1) (a) is optical microscopy; Figures 43 (b), (c) and (d) are
SEM images of graphene nanoparticles that were stuck on the
rubbed surface. Yellow circles show graphene structure with
adhesion on the wear track. Graphene nanoparticles are
detected from multilayer CVD-coated piston ring during
engine test; any additive elements are not found on wear track
as shown in Figures 43(e, f and g) with X-ray analysis. The
elemental data and colorful pattern is shown in Figures 43(h),
(i), (j) and (k) where red color points shows only graphene
nanoparticles at higher magnification.
In Figure 44 (see link https://figshare.com/s/bb4a223772
344e58c3b2), Ra is measured as 403 nm in small area with
Downloaded by Professor Hakan Kaleli At 14:18 31 January 2019 (PT)
AFM and 4.0 m m in large area with digital microscope. This
surface has almost the same roughness compared to non-
rubbed multilayer CVD graphene coated of second piston ring.
Figure 45 (see link https://figshare.com/s/60d0dffb60f22
f441a0d) (a) is optical microscopy; Figures 45(b), (c) and (d)
are SEM images of graphene nanoparticles that were stuck on
the rubbed surface. Yellow circles show graphene structure
with adhesion on the wear track. Graphene nanoparticles are
detected from multilayer CVD-coated piston ring during
engine test; any additive elements are not found on wear track
as shown in Figures 45(e), (f) and (g)with X-ray analysis. The
elemental data and colorful pattern is shown in Figures 45(h),
(i), (j) and (k)where red color shows only graphene
nanoparticles at higher magnification.
In Figure 46 (see link https://figshare.com/s/cc71fd4b526ea7177a7f),
Ra is measured as 16 nm in small area with AFM and 5.2 m m
in large area with digital microscope. This surface has almost
the same roughness compared to non-rubbed multilayer CVD
graphene coated of first piston ring.
Figures 47 (see link https://figshare.com/s/abcc31eb5118f
7de25fb) (a) and (b) are optical microscopy of the cylinder
liners tested under multilayer and monolayer CVD-coated
piston rings with colorful protective layers. This surface is
presented in Figures 47(b) and (e) with SEM. Figures 47(c)
and (f) are X-ray analysis of elemental accumulation of
additives such as Zn, Ca, P, S and C (red circles) detected from
protective layers.
Figure 48 (see link https://figshare.com/s/a6892cd3f458136
73413) (a) is optical microscopy view of colorful protective
layers of rubbed surface. This surface is presented in Figures 48
(b), (c) and (d) with SEM under three magnifications such as
X500, X1000 and X5000, respectively. Original finishing
marks were removed and replaced by homogeneous surface
degradation. Figures 48(e), (f) and (g) are X-ray analysis of
high elemental accumulation of additives such as Zn, Ca, P, S
and C (red circles) detected from protective layers and some C
from ring coating (yellow circles). The elemental data and
colorful pattern is shown in Figures 48(h), (i), (j) and (k) where
red color shows only graphene nanoparticles at higher
magnification.
Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
In Figure 49 (see link https://figshare.com/s/25d6d73736045
cd446b4), Ra is measured as 54 nm in small area with AFM and
0.5 m m in large area with digital microscope. This surface is less
rough compared to non-rubbed cylinder liner.
Figure 50 (see link https://figshare.com/s/961391705c36
a742e484) (a) is optical microscopy view of colorful protective
layers of rubbed surface. This surface is presented in Figures 50
(b), (c) and (d) with SEM under three magnifications such as
X500, X1000 and X2500, respectively. Figures 50(e), (f) and
(g) are X-ray analysis of high elemental accumulation of
additives such as Zn, Ca, P, S and C (red circles) detected from
protective layers and some C from ring coating (yellow circles).
The elemental data and colorful pattern is shown in Figures 50
(h), (i), (j) and (k) where red color shows only graphene
nanoparticles at higher magnification.
In Figure 51 (see link https://figshare.com/s/525499224
549c4d1adbe), Ra is measured as 55 nm in small area with
AFM and 0.5 m m in large area with digital microscope.
Figures 52 (see link https://figshare.com/s/2e335ed0fbae0d
925526) (a) and (b) are optical microscopy view of colorful
protective layers of rubbed surface. This surface is presented in
Figures 52(b) and (c) with SEM. Figures 52(e), (f) and (g) are
X-ray analysis of high elemental accumulation of additives such
as Zn, Ca, P, S and C from ring coating (red circles) detected
from protective layers at TDC of cylinder liner. The elemental
data and colorful pattern is shown in Figures 52(h), (i), (j) and
(k) where red color shows only graphene nanoparticles.
In Figure 53 (see link https://figshare.com/s/a3713045c82bb
21e6ad3), Ra is measured as 85 nm in small area with AFM
and 0.1 m m in large area with digital microscope.
Figures 54 (see link https://figshare.com/s/f0ecb76d3e670
fc5efa3) (a) and (b) are optical microscopy of colorful
protective layers of rubbed surface. This surface is presented in
Figures 54(b) and (c) with SEM. Figures 54(e), (f) and (g) are
X-ray analysis of high elemental accumulation of additives such
as Zn, Ca, P, S and C from ring coating (red circles) detected
from protective layers at TDC of cylinder liner. The elemental
data and colorful pattern is shown in Figures 54(h), (i), (j) and
(k) where red color shows only graphene nanoparticles.
In Figure 55 (see link https://figshare.com/s/07d169dcc7d
6fb6c7ab6), Ra is measured as 170 nm in small area with AFM
and 0.1 m m in large area with digital microscope.
Figure 56 Engine brake power via engine speed for multi and
monolayer CVD graphene-coated piston rings
 Tribological behavior of graphene coatings
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz et al.
In Figure 56, new CVD graphene coating showed worst
performance (less power) for engine tests. The main reason is
the temperature. As the CVD graphene coating is carried out at
high temperature more than 800°C, the ring is distorted and
changed the shape. The effect of the distortion was well
detected on the CVD monolayer-coated first piston ring where
there was a big loss of compression showed by red arrow.
5. Conclusions
New direct CVD synthesized method of graphene (multilayer
and monolayer) coating on engine piston rings showed
significantly lower coefficient of friction than uncoated piston
ring for tribometer experiments. Abrasive wear was significant
mechanism occurred on the surface of both piston rings and
cylinder liners.
It is obvious that graphene coating process is not successful
on Honda GX270 engine rings by APCVD using argon/
hydrogen flux and methane gas. But it is clear that graphene
Downloaded by Professor Hakan Kaleli At 14:18 31 January 2019 (PT)
coating was successfully deposited on piston rings, as
multilayer and monolayer respectively, by direct synthesized
CVD method under vacuum conditions by LACVD using
hydrogen flux synthesizing with hexane vapor in new design
CVD reactor.
While additive layers were formed on the rubbed surface of
both piston rings and cylinder liner in tribometer tests, they
were only detected at TDC of cylinder liner in engine tests. Any
additive protective layers were detected on the piston ring
during engine tests. The main reason is that wear at TDC of
piston ring travel is heavy because of the high contact pressure,
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Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
the thin lubricant film because of the low sliding velocity and
high gas temperature.
As CVD graphene coating is carried out at high temperature
more than 800°C, the ring is distorted and changed the shape.
This showed a big loss of compression during the test and
provided engine failure. Hence, transferring synthesized
method of graphene and graphene coating deposited by CVD
process on Honda GX270 engine piston rings is much more
advisable and effective for Internal Combustion Engines.
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Corresponding author
Zeynep Burcu Acunas Karagöz can be contacted at:
zacunaskaragoz@gmail.com