Synthesis and tribological properties of WS2/MoS2 micro-nano composite lubricant

Finding ways to improve the performance of additives is critical to meeting the industrial demand for high-performance lubricants. A WS 2 /MoS 2 micro-nano composite was synthesized by coating nano-MoS 2 onto activated micro-WS 2 to enhance nano-MoS 2 lubrication. The WS 2 /MoS 2 in base oil significantly reduced the wear by 65.3 % and 46.4 % compared to micro-WS 2 and nano-MoS 2 , respectively. In the WS 2 /MoS 2 , WS 2 isolates and lubricates the friction pair through its layered structure, but contributes minimally to tribofilm formation. Nano-MoS 2 , with its high reactivity, exfoliates into nanosheets that transfer to the friction surface to form the tribofilm, working alongside compounds like Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3 and Fe 3 O 4 to enhance lubrication. This work provides a way to improve the performance of lubricants and demonstrates potential applications in lubricating oil modification.