Synthesis and tribological properties of flower-like MoS2 microspheres

MoS2 flower-like microspheres with a mean diameter of about 1 μm, assembled by nanosheets, were successfully synthesized through a Pluronic F-127 (Ethylene Oxide/Propylene Oxide Block Copolymer) assisted hydrothermal method. The as-prepared products were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM); UMT-2 multispecimen tribotester was used to assess their lubricating effect when used as additives in liquid paraffin dispersions. And the topography of worn scars was measured using a common scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the relationship between the tribological properties and morphology of MoS2 were discussed. Tribological performance evidenced that the obtained flower-like MoS2 microspheres possessed superior anti-wear and friction-reducing properties as a lubrication additive compared with pure base oil and base oil containing commercial MoS2 plates, which will penetrate more easily into the interface with base oil, and form continuous film in concave of rubbing surface, enhancing the tribological properties.