Study of MoS2 Nanoparticles Effect on Friction and Wear Reduction by Using Pin on Disc Machine

Abstract

The solid state lubricant, especially molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), nanoparticles have been used for several decades, due to their significant characteristics in the lubrication process, as a means to protect surfaces and increase the load capacity of the rubbing arrangements in sliding motion systems. In this study, 0.5 g of MoS2 nanoparticles (average particle size 90 nm), with a purity of approximately 99% have been used. Then 1 ml mixture of MoS2 nanoparticles with 20 ml of isopropanol-liquid was used to lubricate the substrate which was a steel disc surface in a pin on disc machine. Then by using this machine, friction coefficient behavior of the MoS2 distribution particles and the position depth of the steel pin on the steel disc surface were studied, the study was processed under the humidity and room temperature. After the running tests, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology and microstructure of the distributed MoS2 nanoparticles. As a result, MoS2 showed less friction coefficient. Also, it resulted less pin position on the disc surface, and it protected the surface from severe wear.