Cu nanoparticles decorated WS2 nanosheets as a lubricant additive for enhanced tribological performance

Tungsten disulfide–polydopamine–copper (WS2–PDA–Cu) nanocomposites were first prepared by a green and effective biomimetic strategy and then used as a lubricant additive in polyalkylene glycol (PAG). The biomimetic strategy is inspired by the adhesive proteins in mussels. WS2 nanosheets were decorated by uniformly dispersed Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs). The WS2–PDA–Cu nanocomposites with good dispersion stability, showed better friction reducing and anti-wear properties than WS2, Cu NPs and WS2–Cu dispersed in PAG base oil. The average friction coefficient and wear volume were reduced by 33.56% and 97.95%, respectively, at 150 °C under a load of 100 N for the optimal concentration of 0.9 wt%. The lubrication mechanism was discussed.