Comparison of conventional hydrothermal and microwave‐assisted synthesized g‐C3N4/MoS2 nanocomposite coated steel substrate by tribological measurement

Abstract Molybdenum disulfide is an effective solid lubricant, but it suffers from oxidation and moisture absorption issues, resulting in insufficient wear resistance and a shortened lifespan. This study introduces an innovative approach, integrating graphitic carbon nitride with molybdenum disulfide via advanced microwave‐assisted synthesis, offering precise control over synthesis parameters. The research assesses the tribological performance, comparing it with conventional hydrothermal synthesis. The study extensively investigates the morphology, microstructure, and tribology of a g‐C 3 N4/MoS 2 nanocomposite created through novel microwave (g‐C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 ‐MW) and hydrothermal techniques (g‐C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 ‐HT). MoS 2 exhibits a flower‐like structure, while graphitic carbon nitride has a layered structure, as confirmed by elemental analysis via energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. X‐ray diffraction identifies g‐C 3 N 4 peaks at 13.0° (100) and 27.5° (002) and hexagonal MoS 2 peaks at 14° (002), 32.7° (100), 35.8° (102), and 58.3° (110). The Fourier‐transform infrared spectrum reveals peaks at 1237.4 and 808 cm −1 (aromatic and triazine ring breathing modes in g‐C 3 N 4 ), 1407.1 and 1638.9 cm −1 (C=N and C−C heterocyclic structures), and 3432 cm −1 (vibrations due to −NH and −OH). The coefficients of friction for microwave‐assisted and traditional hydrothermal synthesized nanocomposites are 0.22 and 0.34, respectively. The wear depths are 98 microns and 141 microns, with a wear scar diameter of 2.87 mm for g‐C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 ‐MW and 3.45 mm for g‐C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 ‐HT, indicating superior lubrication with the microwave‐assisted coating.