Tribological behaviour of MoS2 and inorganic fullerene-like WS2 nanoparticles under boundary and mixed lubrication regimes

For several years different types of nanoparticles have been considered and studied as potential friction modifying lubricant additives. Some nanoparticles can reduce the friction coefficient by 30–70%, depending on the base oil and the experimental conditions. In the present study, an experimental analysis on tribological properties of inorganic fullerene-like metal dichalcogenides was performed in comparison with MoS2 2H layered structures. Tribological tests were carried out on a pin on disc tribometer in ambient air. Several contact conditions are analysed in order to realise boundary and mixed lubrication regimes. The experimental study was performed on a mineral base oil, and particle concentration effects were analysed. Antifriction properties were evaluated by measuring the friction coefficient and are presented as generalised Stribeck diagrams. Inorganic fullerene-like WS2 and MoS2 nanoparticles present interesting friction reduction properties when tested in boundary and mixed lubrication.