Synthesis and tribological properties of flower-like MoS2 microspheres

Abstract MoS 2 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 MoS 2 were discussed. Tribological performance evidenced that the obtained flower-like MoS 2 microspheres possessed superior anti-wear and friction-reducing properties as a lubrication additive compared with pure base oil and base oil containing commercial MoS 2 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.