Enhancement of Tribological Properties Enabled by a Synergistic Effect between Mg/Al Hydrotalcite and MoDTC

The Mg/Al hydrotalcite with different morphologies was prepared under mild conditions through a coprecipitation process. The sulfur- and phosphorus-free MA2 nanosheets were used in combination with MoDTC to improve the low load-bearing capacity and unsatisfactory tribological properties of organic molybdenum in PAO8. Especially, the 2.0 wt % MA2 nanosheets combined with 2.0 wt % MoDTC demonstrated the highest friction performances in PAO8. The results indicated that the synergistic effect between MA2 and MoDTC contributes to the formation of a stable tribofilm composed of MoS2, MgO, Al2O3, MoO3, Fe2(SO4)3, Fe2O3, and Fe3O4. This tribofilm not only could effectively protect the friction interface and provide friction-reducing and antiwear effects but also possess high film-forming rates (PB value) and load-bearing capacity.