Existence of $2$-Factors in Tough Graphs without Forbidden Subgraphs

Abstract: For a given graph $R$, a graph $G$ is $R$-free if $G$ does not contain $R$ as an induced subgraph. It is known that every $2$-tough graph with at least three vertices has a $2$-factor. In graphs with restricted structures, it was shown that every $2K_2$-free $3/2$-tough graph with at least three vertices has a $2$-factor, and the toughness bound $3/2$ is best possible. In viewing $2K_2$, the disjoint union of two edges, as a linear forest, in this paper, for any linear forest $R$ on 5, 6, or 7 vertices, we find the sharp toughness bound $t$ such that every $t$-tough $R$-free graph on at least three vertices has a 2-factor.