Role of MoS2 morphology on wear and friction under spectrum loading conditions

One of the ways by which grease is evaluated is by using a four‐ball wear test using ASTM D2266. However, actual applications may require bearings to be subjected to spectrum loading conditions. This study focuses on using ball milling to mitigate the wear from sharp edges in the MoS₂ particles. Two different blends of greases were formulated using MoS₂ in the as‐received state (unmilled) and milled MoS₂; they were tested under spectrum loading conditions where the load and frequency of the tests were treated as variables. It was found that ball milling of the MoS₂ significantly reduces the wear under spectrum loading condition both for ramp‐up and ramp‐down conditions. It was also shown that shortening the time step for both the ramp‐up and ramp‐down cycles resulted in larger wear for unmilled MoS₂ particles in comparison with milled MoS₂ particles in grease. The milling process did not play a significant role when frequency of the test was either ramped up or down. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of space irradiation on the lubricating performance of perfluoropolyether greases in simulated space environment

In this paper, 2 kinds of commercial perfluoropolyether (PFPE) greases were coated on the polyimide (PI) blocks, which were placed within simulated space environment including atomic oxygen (AO), proton (Pr), ultraviolet (UV), and electron (El) irradiations, and then the tribological performance has been investigated with a ball‐on‐disc tribometer. Results indicated that the MoS₂‐grease showed better lubrication performance than the PTFE‐grease. The changes in infrared spectroscopy induced by Pr and El irradiations were more obvious than that by AO and UV irradiations. Results of energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy indicated that Pr and El irradiations caused carbonation of greases, and AO and UV irradiations induced oxidation of greases. Referred to the tribological properties of PI coated with PFPE oil, PI coated with PFPE greases showed minor changes in friction coefficient and wear rate, and the MoS₂ additives could significantly improve the lubrication properties of PFPE greases in simulated space environment.     

Tribological properties of 3 types of MoS2 additives in different base greases

A tribological comparison was conducted among micro‐MoS₂ (m‐MoS₂), platelet‐like nano‐MoS₂, and spherical nano‐MoS₂ in lithium grease, lithium‐calcium grease, and polyurea grease, respectively. Micro‐MoS₂ slightly improved the lubrication of the 3 greases. The 2 nano‐MoS₂ samples had obvious superiority over m‐MoS₂. The tribofilms produced by nano‐MoS₂ contained MoS₂ and MoO₃. However, the tribofilms with m‐MoS₂ did not contain Mo, or Mo only existed in the form of MoO₃. The absence of MoS₂ in tribofilms was the main reason for the poor lubrication of m‐MoS₂ greases. Moreover, the improved lubrication of the spherical nano‐MoS₂ greases than the platelet‐like nano‐MoS₂ ones was ascribed to the lubricating superiority of the spherical structure to the platelet‐like one.     

Tribological Behavior of Deagglomerated Active Inorganic Nanoparticles for Advanced Lubrication

The tribological behavior of novel, deagglomerated, and active molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanoparticles as additives in paraffin oil is presented. In a novel approach, the MoS₂ nanoparticles were activated by their intercalation with organic molecules, particularly triglycerides (canola oil) and lecithin (source of phosphorus). A four-ball tribological test setup was used to measure the wear scar diameter, the coefficient of friction, and the extreme pressure properties of such formulated paraffin oils. The results showed significant influence of this uniquely designed MoS₂ nanostructured additive on the coefficient of friction (0.07), the wear scar diameter, and the extreme pressure (315 kg) properties of the paraffin oil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were also used for investigating size, the surface morphology, and the elemental composition of the nanoengineered lubricant. The characterization revealed a particle size less than 100 nm and the elemental composition analysis of the wear track showed the presence of Mo, S, and P in the tribofilm, explaining the observed improvements in the tribological properties.     

The Lubricating Performance of an “in Situ” Process MoS2 Film in Air and in Liquids

The performance of a synthetic MoS₂ film, produced by electrodeposition of molybdic oxide followed by a temperature-pressure H₂S conversion to a molybdenum sulfide compound, is examined under extreme pressure conditions immersed in various fluids. Friction wear and EP characteristics, measured on various test machines, are compared to those of the fluids alone and also to conventional bonded films.

The fluids examined include: mineral oil, jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, silicone fluid.

The dry films include: burnished MoS₂ powder, MIL-L-8937 resin bonded film, MIL-L-8129 silicate bonded film and the synthetic “in situ” MoS₂ film.

The performance of the synthetic MoS₂ film on titanium and stainless steel is also examined.     

Tribological properties of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets by monolayer restacking process as additive in liquid paraffin

Molybdenum disulfide nanosheets were prepared by monolayer restacking process. Results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the obtained MoS₂ nanosheets had a thickness about 30-70 nm. The tribological properties of the so-prepared MoS₂ nanosheets were investigated on a MQ-800 four-ball tribometer. The results showed the base oil with MoS₂ nanosheets had better friction reduction, wear resistance and extreme pressure than those with commercial micro-MoS₂. The good tribological properties of MoS₂ nanosheets were mainly ascribed to the surface effect and the dimension effect of nanoparticles. Moreover, the formation of MoO₃ and FeSO₄ complex film on the rubbed surface also played an important role in friction reduction and wear resistance.     

Morphological Influence of Molybdenum Disulfide on the Tribological Properties of Rapeseed Oil

The morphological influence of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) on the tribological properties of rapeseed oil (RO) was investigated. MoS₂ nano-vesicles improved the tribological properties of RO, especially the wear resistance. However, nano-platelets and micro-platelets weakened the wear resistance because of their bad dispersibility in RO. Positive synergistic lubrication was observed between nano-vesicles and nano-platelets, but not between nano-vesicles and micro-platelets or nano-platelets and micro-platelets. Abrasive plowing is the main wear manner for the steel balls lubricated by RO or ROs with platelet-like MoS₂. However, chemical corrosive wear occurred on the friction surface as lubricated by RO with nano-vesicles. The chemical corrosive wear confirmed the entering of MoS₂ nano-particles to the contact area for lubrication. This lubrication of nano-vesicles was ascribed to their spherical structure and good dispersibility in RO. The nano-vesicles did not influence the stability of RO and assembled beside furrows to alleviate the wear. Thus, potential applications of MoS₂ nano-vesicles in vegetable oils were revealed.     

Improving the AW/EP ability of chemically modified palm oil by adding CuO and MoS2 nanoparticles

Improvement in the anti-wear (AW) and extreme pressure (EP) ability of chemically modified palm oil (CMPO) by adding nanoparticles was experimentally evaluated. Nanolubricants were synthesized by adding 1 wt% copper(II) oxide (CuO) and 1 wt% molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanoparticles to CMPO. The AW/EP properties of the formulations were evaluated by four-ball and sliding wear tests. Wear surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, along with energy-dispersive X-ray and micro-Raman scattering spectroscopy. The MoS₂ nanoparticles exhibited better AW/EP properties than did the CuO nanoparticles. The addition of 1 wt% oleic acid as a surfactant facilitated the reduction of agglomerates.     

不同润滑条件下HIP-Si3N4/GCr15摩擦副摩擦特性的研究

在干摩擦、水润滑、锂基脂润滑和锂基脂＋MoS2润滑不同条件下,利用MPX-2000型盘销式摩擦磨损试验机,对HIP－Si3N4/GCr15摩擦副进行了摩擦磨损性能的对比试验研究,通过扫描电子显微镜对试件的表面形貌进行观察分析。结果表明:磨损速率的表现,Si3N4为水润滑＞干摩擦＞锂基脂润滑＞锂基脂＋MoS2润滑;GCr15为干摩擦＞水润滑＞锂基脂润滑＞锂基脂＋MoS2润滑。在锂基脂＋MoS2润滑条件下,HIP－Si3N4/GCr15摩擦副摩擦特性最佳。     

Tribochemistry of MoS3 Nanoparticle Coatings

The tribology of nanoparticles based on transition metal dichalcogenides has been studied extensively. However, evaluation of metal chalcogenides with other stoichiometries has been lacking. We have studied the friction, endurance, and tribochemistry of bonded molybdenum trisulfide (MoS₃) nanoparticle-based coatings for the first time. A facile aqueous chemistry method was used to fabricate the MoS₃ nanoparticles. Pin-on-disk tribometry of an MoS₃ coating using phenolic resin as the binder was conducted in a dry N₂ atmosphere (0.06 % RH, using normal loads of 5 N and 10 N). The results were compared with two types of commercial bonded coatings based on the solid lubricant molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), as well as a bonded coating we formulated with commercial MoS₂ nanoparticles. Surprisingly, the MoS₃ coating showed similar lubricating ability to the MoS₂-based coatings, exhibiting average μ _k < 0.05 and endurance greater than a million cycles. To evaluate the tribochemistry occurring in the contact region, tribotesting of an MoS₃ coating was halted when steady-state low friction was achieved (i.e., prefailure). Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction on the surface of this wear track showed that the MoS₃ had undergone a tribochemical reaction to form the solid lubricant MoS₂, which explains the excellent lubricity of the coating. This result opens up the possibility of developing MoS₃ nanoparticle-based solid lubricant coatings and MoS₃ nanoparticle additives for oils and greases that are synthetically easier and lower cost than formulations based on MoS₂ nanoparticles.     

Study the Sensitivity of Solid Lubricating Additives to Attapulgite Clay Base Grease

The focus of this study was the development of a new lubricating grease, using surface-modified attapulgite clay as thickener and synthetic oil (PAO 40) as the base oil. The tribological sensitivity of the new grease was investigated by studying the effect of adding three solid additives [KB₃O₅, MoS₂, graphite and a graphite/MoS₂ mixture (mass ratio 3:2)]. Its tribological behavior was compared with that of traditional bentone grease by adding MoS₂. The dropping point and the cone penetration of the new grease were also investigated and analyzed. The wear scar diameter of the base grease was measured on an MRS-1 J (G) four-ball tester, and the tribological sensitivity of solid lubricating additives to attapulgite clay base grease was evaluated using an Optimol SRV reciprocating friction and wear tester. The addition of MoS₂ and the graphite/MoS₂ mixture to the new lubricating grease improved its friction-reducing ability, while the addition of KB₃O₅ improved its antiwear ability. The additives MoS₂ and the graphite/MoS₂ mixture also increased the load-carrying capacity of the base grease. The attapulgite clay grease containing MoS₂ had a better friction-reducing ability than the traditional bentone grease containing MoS_2.     

Friction-Induced Hardening Behaviors and Tribological Properties of 60NiTi Alloy Lubricated by Lithium Grease Containing Nano-BN and MoS2

Abstract

Hardened 60NiTi alloy, which possesses a unique set of desirable properties, has been considered as an attractive candidate for the bearing materials used in space mechanisms. However, the typical hardening process (quenching from high temperatures with a high cooling rate) may result in quench cracking, especially in casting parts. With this in mind, the feasibility of friction-induced surface hardening of 60NiTi under the lubrication of lithium-based greases containing nanoparticles was explored in our research. In addition, the tribological properties of 60NiTi alloy lubricated with lithium-based greases containing different proportions of nanoparticles were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the surface of worn 60NiTi. An obvious friction-induced hardening effect on the 60NiTi alloy disc surface was identified, which was due to the formation of a hard metastable Ti₃Ni₄ phase and B2TiNi phase during the friction process. The lubrication effects of all of the modified grease were superior to those of the base grease, and the antiwear properties were closely related to the types of single nano-additives and the proportion of composite nano-additives.     

Erratum to: Study the Sensitivity of Solid Lubricating Additives to Attapulgite Clay Base Grease

The focus of this study was the development of a new lubricating grease, using surface-modified attapulgite clay as thickener and synthetic oil (PAO 40) as the base oil. The tribological sensitivity of the new grease was investigated by studying the effect of adding three solid additives [KB₃O₅, MoS₂, graphite and a graphite/MoS₂ mixture (mass ratio 3:2)]. Its tribological behavior was compared with that of traditional bentone grease by adding MoS₂. The dropping point and the cone penetration of the new grease were also investigated and analyzed. The wear scar diameter of the base grease was measured on an MRS-1 J (G) four-ball tester, and the tribological sensitivity of solid lubricating additives to attapulgite clay base grease was evaluated using an Optimol SRV reciprocating friction and wear tester. The addition of MoS₂ and the graphite/MoS₂ mixture to the new lubricating grease improved its friction-reducing ability, while the addition of KB₃O₅ improved its antiwear ability. The additives MoS₂ and the graphite/MoS₂ mixture also increased the load-carrying capacity of the base grease. The attapulgite clay grease containing MoS₂ had a better friction-reducing ability than the traditional bentone grease containing MoS_2.     

Effect of MoS2 and WS2 Nanotubes on Nanofriction and Wear Reduction in Dry and Liquid Environments

Nano-objects in dry and liquid conditions have shown reductions in friction and wear on the macroscale. Studies in low viscosity liquids with nanoparticles and nanotubes made of lubricating materials such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and tungsten disulfide (WS₂) are limited. In this research, MoS₂ and WS₂ nanotubes with spherical gold (Au) nano-objects as a control are studied on the nanoscale under dry and low viscosity liquid environments for their effect on friction and wear reduction. Atomic forces microscopy (AFM) experiments on the nanoscale are performed in single-nano-object contact with an AFM tip, where nano-objects are laterally manipulated and multiple nano-object contact with a tip attached to a glass sphere sliding over several nano-objects. Wear tests were performed on the nanoscale by means of AFM as well as on the macroscale using a ball-on-flat tribometer to relate friction and wear reduction on both scales. Results indicate that nano-objects such as MoS₂ and WS₂ nanotubes contribute to friction and wear reduction due to the reduced contact area and the possible rolling and sliding on the nanoscale. On the macroscale, reductions in friction and wear occur due to possible exfoliation of outer layers in addition to other mechanisms just mentioned.     

Improving the Tribological Behavior of Graphite/Cu Matrix Self-Lubricating Composite Contact Strip by Electroplating Zn on Graphite

Studies to explore the nature of friction, and in particular thermally activated friction in macroscopic tribology, have lead to a series of experiments on thin coatings of molybdenum disulfide. Coatings of predominately molybdenum disulfide were selected for these experiments; five different coatings were used: MoS₂/Ni, MoS₂/Ti, MoS₂/Sb₂O₃, MoS₂/C/Sb₂O₃, and MoS₂/Au/Sb₂O₃. The temperatures were varied over a range from −80 °C to 180 °C. The friction coefficients tended to increase with decreasing temperature. Activation energies were estimated to be between 2 and 10 kJ/mol from data fitting with an Arrhenius function. Subsequent room temperature wear rate measurements of these films under dry nitrogen conditions at ambient temperature demonstrated that the steady-state wear behavior of these coatings varied dramatically over a range of K = 7 × 10⁻⁶ to 2 × 10⁻⁸ mm³/(Nm). It was further shown that an inverse relationship between wear rate and the sensitivity of friction coefficient with temperature exists. The highest wear-rate coatings showed nearly athermal friction behavior, while the most wear resistant coatings showed thermally activated behavior. Finally, it is hypothesized that thermally activated behavior in macroscopic tribology is reserved for systems with stable interfaces and ultra-low wear, and athermal behavior is characteristic to systems experiencing gross wear.     

Optimization and Effect of Weight Fraction of MoS2 on the Tribological Behavior of Mg-TiC-MoS2 Hybrid Composites

This investigation studies the dry sliding wear behavior of magnesium (Mg) matrix composites reinforced with titanium carbide (TiC) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) fabricated using a powder metallurgy technique. The effects of both TiC (0–10%) and MoS₂ (0–10%) content on the tribological properties are investigated. Wear tests are carried on magnesium reinforced with TiC and MoS₂ individually and together in different proportions, using a pin-on-disc apparatus under dry sliding condition. The experiments were made using a Taguchi L₂₇ orthogonal array with five factors at three levels. The wear resistance of the developed composites improved significantly compared to that of the magnesium matrix due to the effect offered by both reinforcements. Analysis of variance was used to verify the significance of factors influencing wear. In addition, the worn surfaces of the wear-tested specimens were examined using a scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy.     

The mechanism of lubrication by molybdenum disulphide dispersed in oil and the effect of a zinc dialkyldithiophosphate additive

The effectiveness of the lubrication of hard smooth steel surfaces by molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) dispersed in a mineral oil, both with and without a zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) additive, has been investigated using a four-ball extreme pressure lubricant test machine.Each oil, additive-oil or MoS₂ dispersion, exhibited a wear scar diameter-load curve with an abrupt transition from mild to severe wear at a characteristic load. When ZDDP was present in the oil, MoS₂ was effective at pre-transition but not post-transition loads, whereas in the absence of ZDDP the converse applied, with MoS₂ only beneficial above the transition load.These results are explained in terms of the adherence (or not) of MoS₂ particles to the films physically adsorbed on the steel surfaces at pre-transition loads. At the transition load the surface temperature reaches the desorption (or decomposition) temperature of the particular oil or additive film and MoS₂ then adheres to exposed metal, unless the latter chemically reacts with oil constituents to form a chemisorbed film.     

Effects of Surface Pretreatment of Ti-6AI-4V on the Adhesion and Wear Lifetimes of Sputtered MoS2 Coatings

Improving the adhesion and wear endurance lifetimes of the solid lubricant molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) on titanium (Ti) alloys was studied in this experimental investigation. Ti-6Al-4V alloy specimens were implanted with gas ions or coated with ceramic layers prior to coating with sputtered MoS₂ to investigate the adhesion and wear lifetimes of the MoS₂ coatings. The greatest improvement in scratch adhesion (2.4 times Ti-6Al-4V coated directly with MoS₂) was observed for an MoS₂/diamond-like carbon/Si multilayer coating. Sliding wear tests revealed the greatest lifetime improvement (3.2 ×) was for an MoS₂/TiC dual-layer coating. Increased MoS₂ adhesion was observed for pretreated surfaces with a Vickers microhardness greater than 800 kgf/mm². Increased adhesion of MoS₂ for bond layers with lower elastic moduli (estimated) is suggested. Therefore the ratio hardness/elastic modulus may be a potential figure of merit for surface pretreatment selection.     

In Situ Tribological Evaluation of Greases and Solid Lubricants in a Simulated Atomic Oxygen Environment

Four greases and nine solid lubricants have been applied lo 440C steel surfaces and subjected to in situ tribo-testing in a simulaled-atomic-oxygen (SAO) environment. The test apparatus, procedures and results are described. The discussion addresses the calibration of the SAO tribometer using Kapton H film, the effect of SAO on wear and friction characteristics of unlubricaied 440C steel, and the screening test results for all the lubricants wider SAO conditions. Endurance test results of selected greases and solid lubricants, such as a PEPE-type grease and MoS₂ coatings, are also presented. The results of this research should facilitate selection of effective solid lubricants and greases and hence lead to improved lifetimes for mechanisms that must, operate in the atomic-oxygen environment of low-Earth orbits.     

Tribological characteristics of greases with and without metallo-organic friction-modifiers

ABSTRACT

An important focus of grease development is to minimize friction and wear while improving load bearing capacity. ASTM D2266 test method is commonly used to evaluate performance of grease at 75°C, 40?kg and 1200?rpm for 1 hour. However, actual applications may require bearings to be subjected to cyclic loading and variable frequency conditions wherein rotations per minute (rpm), load and duration of test are variables. Five different blends of greases were formulated using ZDDP (3?wt.%), PTFE (2?wt.%), MoDTC (2?wt.%), combination of ZDDP/PTFE in a weight ratio of 3:2 and a combination of ZDDP/PTFE/MoDTC in 3:2:2 weight ratios. They were tested under ASTM D2266 test method as well as under cyclic loading and variable frequency conditions where loads, frequency and duration of the tests were treated as variables. It was found that the combination of ZDDP/PTFE/MoDTC results in significant improvement in the wear and friction under cyclic loading as well as ASTM D2266 test conditions. It was also demonstrated that MoDTC accelerated the tribochemical degradation of ZDDP that resulted in the formation of a protective tribofilm layer on the interacting surfaces. The analysis of the tribofilm formed indicated that when MoDTC was used together with ZDDP and PTFE, a combination of MoS₂, phosphates and sulfates of Zn and Fe are formed whereas when only ZDDP and PTFE was used the tribofilms were largely composed of phosphates and sulfates of Zn and Fe.