Effect of magnetic field on the tribological behaviors of Fe3O4@MoS2 as polyalphaolefin additive in the steel/steel friction interface

To explore ways to improve wear of friction pairs and the efficiency of nano additives, a magnetic lubricating particle, Fe3O4@MoS2 core–shell nanocomposite, was developed as solid additive for polyalphaolefin (PAO) 6, and a magnetic field was applied to steel/steel friction interface for enhancing lubrication effect. The effect of magnetic field on the tribological properties of PAO 6 containing the nanocomposites was investigated using an adapted tribometer. The friction results indicate that although the prepared Fe3O4@MoS2 nanocomposites exhibits good lubrication performance in PAO 6, the friction reduction and anti-wear effect could be further enhanced after applying a magnetic field, and the effect of the magnetic field on tribological properties is closely related to the concentration of nanocomposites in PAO 6. The mechanism of magnetic field on lubrication effect of the magnetic nanocomposites in PAO 6 was analyzed by simulation software, coupling the technology of SEM and XPS.