Abstract
A model of graphite friction is proposed. In this model, the friction process is described as a process of elastoplastic deformation of the surface layer. Moreover, the nanolayer, which contains 3–5 atomic monolayers, behaves elastically and quickly collapses according to the Griffiths scheme, forming a layer like a solid lubricant. Next, the mesoslayer enters into the friction process. If the friction of graphite is considered similar to the friction of a viscous liquid, then from this approach it follows that friction depends on the speed of movement, has a structure similar to Benard cells, which means self-organization and friction synergism occurs. The fact that the friction of graphite cannot be explained using the usual Amonton law or on the basis of the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication is due to the fact that it is associated with the viscosity of the solution, the theory of which has not yet been completed. Due to the reconstruction of its surface, the surface layer of metastable diamond becomes graphite and its friction coefficient is the same value k ≈ 0.1. If you remove the surface layer of metastable diamond, i.e. turning it into a diamond, then its friction coefficient will be k ≈ 0.6.