Tuning Nanoscale Tribological Characteristics of Thermally Evaporated Transparent Polyaniline-Graphene Nanocomposite Thin Films

Abstract

In this work, we report the development of a solvent-free technique to fabricate optically transparent polyaniline (PANI)-graphene thin films with precise control over both composition and thickness. By systematically varying the PANI-graphene composition, we investigate the influence of graphene reinforcement on the mechanical and tribological properties of the polymer films. A comprehensive suite of surface characterization techniques, combined with atomic force microscopy (AFM) based nanotribological testing, reveals how embedded graphene patches act as lubricating agents within the polymer matrix. More specifically, the study shows how the friction force and the coefficient of friction (COF) vary on the surface of the polyaniline-graphene composite film with the variation of graphene percentage. These findings provide crucial insights into the interfacial behavior of PANI-graphene nanocomposites and highlight the potential of such materials for next-generation applications where tailored frictional and mechanical performance is essential. This study bridges the gap between material design and practical performance, contributing to the advancement of nanocomposite thin film technologies for diverse applications.