Tribological performances of MoS2/C60 nanocomposite as lubricating additive in dioctyl sebacate

PurposeThis paper aims to solve the problems molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets suffer from inadequate dispersion stability and form a weak lubricating film on the friction surface, which severely limits their application as lubricant additives.Design/methodology/approachMoS2/C60nanocomposites were prepared by synthesizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets on the surface of hydrochloric acid-activated fullerenes (C60) by in situ hydrothermal method. The composition, structure and morphology of MoS2/C60nanocomposites were characterized. Through the high-frequency reciprocating tribology test, its potential as a lubricant additive was evaluated.FindingsMoS2/C60nanocomposites that were prepared showed good dispersion in dioctyl sebacate (DOS). When 0.5 Wt.% MoS2/C60was added, the friction reduction performance and wear resistance improved by 54.5% and 62.7%, respectively.Originality/valueMoS2/C60composite nanoparticles were prepared byin-situformation of MoS2nanosheets on the surface of C60activated by HCl through hydrothermal method and were used as potential lubricating oil additives.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2023-0321/