Synthesis, structure and tribological performance of tungsten disulphide nanocomposites

Tungsten disulphide nanocomposites were prepared in large scale by employing the direct reaction between tungsten nanoparticles and sulphur powders. The nanocomposites include a variety of shapes such as isolated WS2 multi-layered sheets, WS2-coated WO3 nanoparticles, and enclosed fullerene-like WS2 structures. Pin-on-disc wear tests indicate that the addition of a small amount (5 wt%) of these nanoparticles to paraffin decreases significantly the wear loss of the pin. Additives of these WS2/WO3 nanoparticles possess much better tribological performance than micrometer-sized WS2 powders additives do. The surface topography of wear scar of the pins after wear tests with different additives and different loads were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Small (severe) damage of the pin surface was observed for WS2/WO3 nanoparticles (WS2 micropowders) additives.