Effect of Layered MoS2 Nanoparticles on the Frictional Behavior and Microstructure of Lubricating Greases

Lithium stearate soap and layered MoS₂ nanoparticles encapsulated in lithium stearate soap are prepared in the laboratory, and their lubricating properties are compared with respect to the particle and particle concentration. The tribotracks after friction test was investigated with Raman Spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 3D optical profilometry to understand the action mechanism. The status of the soap particles on a tribotrack changes with time, contact pressure and sliding speed. At low pressure and speed, individual solid undeformed soap particle stand proud of the surface and the topography shows marginal difference with sliding time. In these conditions, no frictional difference between the performance of grease with and without the nanoparticles is observed. Increasing the contact pressure and temperature (low speed and high speed) has a dramatic effect as the soap particles melt and the liquid soap flows over the track releasing the hitherto encapsulated nanoparticles. Consequently, the soap smears the track like a liquid, and the nanoparticles now come directly into the interface and are sheared to generate a low-friction tribofilm. At high particle concentration, the sliding time required for melting of the soap and release of MoS₂ is reduced, and the tribofilm is more substantial and uniform consisting of smeared MoS₂ and carboxylate soap as observed by SEM and 3D optical profilometry. A change in the Raman Spectra is observed with particle concentration, and this is related to morphology and microstructure of the tribofilm generated.     

Microscopical study of frictional properties of molybdenum disulphide

The frictional properties of molybdenum disulphide were examined on a microscopic scale. A friction trace was recorded for diamond sliding on MoS₂ and scanning electron micrographs were taken from the track formed. Stick-slip occurred and produced characteristic features different from those observed for diamond sliding on stainless steel. Cleaved fragments of MoS₂ piled up and curved concavely to the direction of sliding. A change in the superficial density of sulphur corresponding to stick-slip was found by Auger scanning electron microscopy indicating its important role in reducing friction. Many edge scratching was examined, using emery paper sliding on MoS₂; the finer the abrasive particles, the better the orientation of crytallites having {0001} parallel to the surface.     

Effect of Atmosphere and Temperature on the Tribological Behavior of the Ti Containing MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> Coatings Against Aluminum

MoS₂ coatings exhibit low coefficient of friction (COF) when sliding against aluminum; however, the magnitudes of their COF show high sensitivity to environmental conditions. Ti could reduce the sensitivity of the frictional behavior of MoS₂ coatings to moisture. This study examines the tribological properties of Ti containing MoS₂ coating (Ti–MoS₂) tested against an aluminum alloy (Al-6.5% Si) in ambient air (58% relative humidity, RH), dry oxygen, dry air and dry N₂ (< 4% RH) atmospheres. The Ti–MoS₂ coating exhibited similar COF values under an ambient (0.14), dry oxygen (0.15) and dry air (0.16) atmospheres. It was found that oxidation of MoS₂ to MoO₃ was responsible for high COF under these testing conditions as revealed by Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. However, a low and stable COF of 0.07 was observed under a dry N₂ condition. This work further showed that the tests performed at elevated temperatures, up to 400 °C in a dry N₂ atmosphere sustained the low and stable COF of the Ti–MoS₂ coatings. The sliding tests performed under a dry N₂ atmosphere prevented the formation of MoO₃ and as a result, the Ti–MoS₂ coatings maintained low COF values. Low COF values were also attributed to the formation of MoS₂ transfer layers.     

Improvement of tribological performance of steel by solid lubricant shot-peening in dry rolling/sliding contact wear tests

The effect of shot-peening treatment with the particulate MoS₂ solid lubricant on the wear resistance of steel in the dry rolling/sliding contact wear tests was investigated. The duplex shot-peening treatment with ceramic balls and the particulate MoS₂ solid lubricant provided excellent wear resistance under a severe loading and sliding condition because the uniform and minute surface roughness given by shot-peening treatment with ceramic balls could keep shot-peened MoS₂ particles with a low friction coefficient on the sample surface. Furthermore, the sample surface was covered with shot-peened MoS₂ particles by a MoS₂ layer formed during the rolling/sliding contact wear test.     

Effects of ZnO and MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> Solid Lubricants on Mechanical and Tribological Properties of M50-Steel-Based Composites at High Temperatures: Experimental and Simulation Study

Prospective beneficial effects of mixtures of temperature-adaptive solid lubricants (ZnO–MoS₂) on mechanical and tribological properties of M50 alloy steel were investigated at temperatures from 25 to 800 °C. ZnO and MoS₂ were mixed with M50 (designated as M) to create composites MZ (M50 steel plus ZnO), MM (M50 steel plus MoS₂), and MZM (M50 steel plus both additives). Sliding friction and wear experiments were performed at different temperatures using a pin-on-disk at a sliding speed of 0.2 m s^?1 and a load of 12 N. Silicon nitride and M50 steel were used as the pin materials. In order to understand the friction and wear behavior of composites, analyses of their surfaces were done using XRD, EPMA, FESEM, EDS line/mapping, and XPS tests. A dynamic simulation model based on the finite element method was built to simulate the different stresses on the contact pairs. Results elucidated that MZM attained the least friction (0.17), compared to M (0.40), MZ (0.26), or MM (0.29) at 800 °C. The increase in surface roughness of MZM due to sliding was reduced by 37.3% compared to that of MZ (11.9%) or MM (22.7%). The good lubricating behaviors were referred to the synergetic effects of ZnO, MoS₂, and formed lubricating components on worn surfaces.     

The Antiwear Action of Zinc Di-n-Butyl Phosphate

The dynamics of MoS₂ particles in a mineral oil dispersion are studied in the same manner as reported in Part I for graphite dispersions. A Hertzian contact consisting of a steel ball in contact with a glass disk is lubricated with MoS² dispersions and observed by optical microscopy at various. slide/roll conditions. In general, the behavior of MoS₂ and graphite are similar. That is, the solids lend to enter the contact and form a film on the contacting surfaces whenever a rolling component of motion is used, but solid particles seldom enter the contact during pure sliding. MoS₂ has more pronounced plastic flow behavior than graphite. However, the polished steel ball is more readily scratched by MoS₂ than by graphite. Under the conditions of these studies, lower friction and wear are observed with pure oil rather than with the dispersions. However, under other conditions (such as different contact geometry or rougher surfaces), the solid-lubricant dispersions might be beneficial.     

The Effect of Hot Extrusion on Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of Ag-Cu/MoS2 Composites

Silver–copper/molybdenum disulfide (Ag-Cu/MoS₂) composites, prepared by powder metallurgy and hot press sintering, were extruded at a temperature of 680°C with extrusion ratios of 10 and 70. Mechanical tests and tribotests were carried on both the hot-pressed and hot-extruded composites. The tribological properties of the composites against a silver coin disc were investigated on a pin-on-disc tester with normal load and sliding speed of 5 N and 0.27 m/s, respectively. The microstructure, wear morphology, and cross section of the worn subsurface were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses were performed on the worn surfaces of Ag-Cu/MoS₂ composites. The results indicated that the distribution of the MoS₂ particles in the composites was improved and the interfacial strength of Ag/MoS₂ was enhanced during the process of hot extrusion. The hardness, bending strength, and wear resistance of hot-extruded composites increased remarkably due to the presence of the continuous matrix skeleton and the stronger interfacial bonding of Ag/MoS₂. XPS revealed that a chemical reaction had occurred at the worn surface due to the friction heat. Although the dominant wear mechanism was fatigue wear for both the hot-pressed and hot-extruded composites, finer debris and a lower wear rate were observed in hot-extruded composites due to the fact that the nucleation and growth of cracks in the worn subsurface were restrained in the process of tribotest.     

Direct observation by in situ transmission electron microscopy of the behaviour of IF‐MoS2 nanoparticles during sliding tests: influence of the crystal structure

Direct observation of the behaviour of individual inorganic fullerenes (IF)‐MoS₂ nanoparticles in a sliding interface is essential for the understanding of the influence of the intrinsic characteristics of the nanoparticles on their lubrication mechanisms, when they are used as additives in lubricant oil. In this work, in situ transmission electron microscopy sliding tests were performed on two different types of MoS₂ nanoparticles synthesised by two different methods. It is shown that the IF‐MoS₂ nanoparticles having perfect structure with a high crystalline order and without defects are able to roll and to slide under the combined effect of pressure and shear stress, whereas the IF‐MoS₂ nanoparticles containing many defects exfoliate immediately in the same conditions to deliver MoS₂ layers covering the mating surfaces. A link between these results, the lubrication mechanisms of the nanoparticles and their tribological properties at the macro‐scale was established, proving that the lubrication mechanisms of fullerenes depend on their intrinsic characteristics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Lubrication at 750°C in a vacuum by a transfer film from self‐lubricating composites for roll/slide contact of Si3N4

Roll/slide friction tests were carried out at a temperature of 750°C in a vacuum. Disc specimens were made of Si₃N₄ with or without a sputtered MoS₂ film. A pin specimen was rubbed against one disc to supply a lubricating transfer film. With a pin made of an MoS₂‐based composite, the friction coefficient was around 0.3 and almost no wear of the discs was observed after 24 h of operation at a load of 50 N, a rotating speed of 0.5 m/s, and a slip ratio of 10%. Transferred patchy MoS₂ films were observed on the friction track. With a pin made of Ni‐based composite containing BN and graphite, the friction coefficient increased from 0.2 to 0.7 over a test time of about 8 h and severe disc wear was found. In an additional test using Si₃N₄ discs with a sputtered MoS₂ film without a pin, the friction coefficient was about 0.3, and no wear of the discs was found after 24 h of operation. The appearance of the friction track was similar to that in the test using the MoS₂‐based composite pin. It seems that the sputtered MoS₂ film wore, but wear particles reattached on the friction path to develop an effective lubricating film. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of transfer film lubrication for long‐term operation in a high‐temperature vacuum, and the superior ability of MoS₂ to develop an effective transfer film.     

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.     

Tribological properties of molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles in soybean oil

Abstract

The tribological properties of soybean oil (SO) with different molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) additives (hollow nanosphere, nanoplatelet and microplatelet) were investigated. MoS₂ hollow nanospheres remarkably improved the tribological properties of SO. SO with MoS₂ hollow nanospheres decreased abrasive plowing and changed the main wear pattern on the steel friction surfaces into chemical corrosion. The MoS₂ hollow nanospheres easily entered the contact region than the other MoS₂ particles to lubricate the friction pair because of its good dispersibility in SO. The tribochemical reactions among MoS₂ hollow nanospheres, SO and friction material produced a lubricating film composed of MoO₃, Fe₂O₃, carbon containing compounds. Thus, the MoS₂ hollow nanospheres have potential lubricating applications with SO. By contrast, MoS₂ nanoplatelet and microplatelets had lesser effects on the lubricating effect of SO. The MoS₂ nanoplatelets, even with its smaller size and more active chemical properties, had more difficulty in entering into the contact region because of its low dispersibility in the base oil.     

Study on the tribological properties of surfactant-modified MoS2 micrometer spheres as an additive in liquid paraffin

Tribological properties of MoS₂ micrometer spheres modified by self-prepared surfactant as an additive in liquid paraffin (LP) are studied and compared with those of the commercial colloidal MoS₂ on a four-ball tester and an Optimol SRV oscillating friction and wear tester. The worn surfaces are examined with SEM and XPS, respectively. Results show that MoS₂ micrometer sphere is a much better extreme-pressure additive and anti-wear and friction-reducing additive in LP than the commercial colloidal MoS₂. The boundary lubrication mechanism can be deduced as an effective chemical adsorption protective film formed by the long chain alkyl and active elements (S and N) in the prepared surfactant and tribochemical reaction film composed of the tribochemical reaction products of the additive. Moreover, sliding and rolling frictions exist simultaneously in the MoS₂ micrometer spheres /LP lubricating system, which also do more contributions to the good tribological properties.     

Effect of current density,MoS2 content and bath agitation on tribological properties of electrodeposited nanostructured Ni-MoS2 composite coatings

ABSTRACT

Nanostructured nickel coatings with molybdenum disulphide particles were electrodeposited to form composite coatings. Three different current densities, i.e. 3, 5 and 7?A/dm² were investigated initially. The best results were obtained with 5 A/dm² for codeposition of nanostructured Ni-MoS₂ composite coatings. With the addition of 1–4?g/L molybdenum disulphide to the bath, the weight percentages of MoS₂ particles in the coatings were 23–38%. This increase of MoS₂ content was accompanied with decrease in friction coefficient of the coatings from 0.35 to 0.08. Wear resistance of the coatings was increased with increasing MoS₂ content and the weight loss was decreased from 1.4 to 0.7?mg. Hardness was decreased from 585 to 400 VHN with increasing the MoS₂ content. By increasing bath agitation speed up to 150?rpm, more MoS₂ particles were embedded in the matrix and the coatings showed better wear resistance. However, increase of agitation speed from 150 to 200?rpm caused a decrease of MoS₂ particles in the nickel matrix due to the turbulent motion of particles in the bath. Overall, it was shown that the lubricating effect of MoS₂ in the coating was more influential than the nanocrystallinity of the nickel matrix in improving tribological properties of these composite coatings.     

Surface Engineering Design of Alumina/Molybdenum Fibrous Monolithic Ceramic to Achieve Excellent Lubrication in a High Vacuum Environment

Al₂O₃/Mo fibrous monolithic ceramics are potential candidates for space applications because of their excellent mechanical properties and low density. This study aims at achieving low friction and long life of this material in a high vacuum environment. Three-dimensional composite-lubricating layers were fabricated by considering texture pattern as storage dimples and MoS₂ synthesized via hydrothermal method as lubricant. The tribological properties were studied sliding against Si₃N₄ ceramic and GCr15 bearing steel balls under high vacuum condition. Results showed that the lubricating properties of the Al₂O₃/Mo fibrous monolithic ceramics were improved greatly by the micro-texture and MoS₂ solid lubricant; the friction coefficients were as low as approximately 0.08 and 0.04, respectively, when Si₃N₄ ceramic and GCr15 bearing steel balls acted as the pairing materials. It was also demonstrated that the low friction coefficient can be realized with various normal loads and sliding speeds, indicating the composite-lubricating layers have good adaptation of working conditions. This excellent performance of the material is mainly because of MoS₂ stored in dimples can be easily dragged onto the friction surface to form lubricating and transferring films during the friction process. This work is an extension of studies that were previously published in Tribology Letters journal.     

The Effect of Morphology on the Tribological Properties of MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> in Liquid Paraffin

The tribological properties of liquid paraffin (LP) containing molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) additives, including nano-balls, nano-slices, and bulk 2H-MoS₂, are evaluated using a four-ball tribometer. Results show that all MoS₂ additives used can improve the tribological properties of LP, and that nanosized MoS₂ particles function as lubrication additives in LP better than micro-MoS₂ particles do. The LP with nano-balls presents the best antifriction and antiwear properties at the MoS₂ content of 1.5 wt%. This is ascribed to the chemical stability of the layer-closed spherical structure of nano-balls. The Stribeck curves confirm that the rotation speed of 1,450 rpm used is located at the mixed lubrication region under 300 N. MoS₂ nano-slices have small sizes and easily enter into the interface of the friction pair with a roughness of 0.032 μm, functioning as a lubricant in LP better than nano-balls do at the MoS₂ content of 1.0 wt%. The Stribeck curves also show that the differences between the two nano samples were magnified at high rotation speeds in hydrodynamic lubrication region. The application of nano-slices in high sliding speeds will be more advantageous. This work furthers the understanding of the relationship between the tribological properties and morphology of MoS₂.     

Morphological properties of sputtered MoS2 films

As the lubricating properties of MoS₂ are due to the sliding of lamellae, the crystallographic orientation and structural properties of these lamellae are important for the tribological behaviour. Thus an analysis of the growth morphology of sputtered MoS₂ films was carried out. It is shown that morphological properties can be influenced by the parameters of the deposition process; in particular, it is possible to prepare coatings in which the lamellae are oriented parallel to each other.     

Discussions on “Some Basic Concepts Regarding the Separation of Oily Water Mixtures”

Examination of adsorptive properties of graphite and MoS₂ revealed that their surfaces are composed of two distinct sites, i.e., basal plane and edge sites, having different affinities for polar compounds and paraffmic hydrocarbons.

It was therefore of interest to investigate the relationship between the proportions of the individual surface sites and the lubricating action of these solids.

This was done by preparing special graphite and MoS₂ powders having a high proportion of basal plane surface and comparing their lubricating properties to those of the powders having a relatively high ratio of edge to basal plane surface area.

It was found that the proportion of basal plane surface is an important factor in the lubricating performance of both graphite and MoS₂ and that the powders having predominantly basal plane surface have significantly better antiwear properties than the powders having a high ratio of polar to basal plane surface. The basal plane surface in MoS₂ plays an exceptionally important role in lubrication, and its contamination with strongly adsorbed paraffins reduces substantially the lubricating action of the powder.     

Crystal Chemistry and Solid Lubricating Properties of the Monochalcogenides Gallium Selenide and Tin Selenide

The interatomic array and bond structure in crystalline states of the monochalcogenides tin selenide and gallium selenide are described and correlated with their solid lubricating capacity. Friction tests assessing their solid lubricating performance were carried out on a pin-on-disk machine. Specifically, large crystalline pieces of each inorganic solid were cut and cleaved into flat squares and subsequently rubbed against sapphire balls. In another case, fine powders of gallium selenide and tin selenide luere manually fed into the sliding interfaces of 440C pins and 440C disks. For the specific test conditions explored, friction coefficients of the sapphire/ gallium selenide and sapphire/tin selenide pairs were approximately 0.23 and approximately 0.35, respectively. The friction coefficients of 440C pin/440C disk test pairs with gallium selenide and tin selenide powders were approximately 0.22 and approximately 0.38, respectively. For comparison, a number of parallel friction tests were also performed with MoS₂ powders and compacts, and the results of these tests are reported. The friction data, together with the crystal-chemical knowledge and electron microscopy evidence, supported the conclusion that the solid lubricating capabilities and lubrication mechanisms of these solids are closely related to their crystal chemistry and the nature of their interlayer bonding.     

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.     

Friction Characteristics of Transition-Metal Disulfides and Diselenides

The disulfides and diselenides of the second and third row transition metals from Groups 4 through 7 have been studied for their ability to function as solid lubricants. These materials have similar layered crystal structures. This work has shown that only those with the MoS₂ type structure and a minimum value of the axial ratio of lattice parameters have inherent lubricating ability. The minimum axial ratios for low sliding friction have been experimentally established as 1.93 and 1.96, respectively, for second and third row transition metals. A rigid sphere atomic model shows that low friction sliding cannot take place unless the axial ratio exceeds 1.87.

Formation of binary solid solutions between the chalcogenides of Group 5, 6 and 7 transition metals shows that the MoS₂ type structure is stabilized at an average metal group number of 6, and that good lubricating properties are obtained when the axial ratio exceeds the minimum values previously stated.