Direct observation by in situ transmission electron microscopy of the behaviour of IF‐MoS₂ nanoparticles during sliding tests: influence of the crystal structure

Abstract

Direct observation of the behaviour of individual inorganic fullerenes (IF)‐MoS2 nanoparticles in a sliding interface is essential for the understanding of the influence of the intrinsic characteristics of the nanoparticles on their lubrication mechanisms, when they are used as additives in lubricant oil. In this work, in situ transmission electron microscopy sliding tests were performed on two different types of MoS2 nanoparticles synthesised by two different methods. It is shown that the IF‐MoS2 nanoparticles having perfect structure with a high crystalline order and without defects are able to roll and to slide under the combined effect of pressure and shear stress, whereas the IF‐MoS2 nanoparticles containing many defects exfoliate immediately in the same conditions to deliver MoS2 layers covering the mating surfaces. A link between these results, the lubrication mechanisms of the nanoparticles and their tribological properties at the macro‐scale was established, proving that the lubrication mechanisms of fullerenes depend on their intrinsic characteristics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Formation of an adsorption film of MoS2 nanoparticles and dioctyl sebacate on a steel surface for alleviating friction and wear

“…[4,35], the modified method was cheaper and the crystallization of MoS 2 was weaker because of the lower calcining temperature. The poor crystallization conduces to the friction reduction of nano-MoS 2 [36,37]. Thus, the modified method will not reduce the lubricating capability of nano-MoS 2 , which had been proved by tribological tests before this work.…”

2D-nanomaterials for controlling friction and wear at interfaces

“…These mechanisms have since been observed by in situ transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy imaging [72,73] coupled with a nanoindentor/nanomanipulator and were shown to depend on the normal and shear stress as summarized in Fig. 11.…”

Tribological properties of 3 types of MoS2 additives in different base greases

“…However, it was found that the completely closed spherical structure did not present better lubrication than the partly closed one used in this work during the tests. The reason is that poorly crystallised spherical MoS 2 nanoparticles exfoliate very easily . Thus, the s‐MoS 2 prepared at a relatively low temperature (480°C) was selected as an additive in this work.…”

“…Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) is a well-known layered solid lubricant with a hexagonal structure. MoS 2 has been widely applied as a lubricating additive in base oils, [1][2][3] greases, 4-6 plastics, 7,8 and coatings. 9,10 Thus, to improve the lubricating performance of MoS 2 is very important for industrial applications.…”