Effects of surface texturing pattern on the lubricity of mica–organic hybrid solid lubricants and parametric evaluation of their cleavabilities

In this study, the friction behaviors of mica–organic hybrid solid lubricants with different cleavabilities on grooved surfaces were investigated. The synergistic effects of texture and lubricant cleavability on the friction coefficients were studied under reciprocating sliding conditions. At narrow pitch widths, even micas with poor cleavability exhibited low friction coefficients. However, at higher pitch widths, cleavability greatly influenced the friction coefficient. The cleavability of a hybrid mica intercalated with a suitable organic cation was similar to that of molybdenum disulfide on a grooved surface. Based on this relationship, we have proposed a parameter for evaluating lubricant cleavability in terms of the extendable distance.