Tribological properties of MoS2 powder-lubricated interface

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effect of MoS2 powder on tribological properties of sliding interfaces. Design/methodology/approach Loose MoS2 powder was introduced in the gap of point-contact friction pairs, and sliding friction test was conducted using a testing machine. Friction noise, wear mark appearance, microstructure and wear debris were characterized with a noise tester, white-light interferometer, scanning electron microscope and ferrograph, respectively. Numerical simulation was also performed to analyze the influence of MoS2 powder on tribological properties of the sliding interface. Findings MoS2 powder remarkably improved the lubrication performance of the sliding interface, whose friction coefficient and wear rate were reduced by one-fifth of the interface values without powder. The addition of MoS2 powder also reduced stress, plastic deformation and friction temperature in the wear mark. The sliding interface with MoS2 powder demonstrated lower friction noise and roughness compared with the interface without powder lubrication. The adherence of MoS2 powder onto the friction interface formed a friction film, which induced the wear mechanism of the sliding interface to change from serious cutting and adhesive wear to delamination and slight cutting wear under the action of normal and shear forces. Originality/value Tribological characteristics of the interface with MoS2 powder lubrication were clarified. This work provides a theoretical basis for solid-powder lubrication and reference for its application in engineering. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2020-0150/