Scaling effects between micro- and macro-tribology for a Ti-MoS2 coating

► Ti-MoS2 studied by macrotribology and microtribology. ► Third bodies examined by in situ tribometry and ex situ analysis. ► Transfer film thickness scaled by Hertzian contact size. ► Velocity accommodation modes correlated to interfacial shear strength and limiting friction. ► Three lubrication regimes identified that depend on size and other experimental variables.