Industrial lubricants are one of the most important variables in extending the life of a component. They’re utilized to protect machinery from excessive friction, save energy, and improve the overall functioning of a machine. In today’s industries, a variety of dry and synthetic lubricants are employed. Molybdenum disulfide is one of the most well-known lubricants.
Molybdenum disulfide is a solid-film lubricant that is dry. It’s also known as MoS2 and can be employed in applications with rapid temperature fluctuations, heavyweight loads, and fast speeds. It can keep its basic structure and strength while significantly reducing friction within the machine. It can protect a component from corrosion when coupled with resins or binders.
The inorganic compound Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) has the formula MoS2. It has a low reactivity, making it resistant to dilute acids.
Factors that contribute to Molybdenum Disulfide’s relevance as an industrial lubricant
Mos2 is a lubricant with a variety of features and qualities that make it a popular choice among industries:
- MoS2 Physical Properties: MoS2 has a hexagonal crystal structure that is connected with Van der Waal forces. Its structure is the primary factor that allows for less friction and better metal application. Blue-grey or black hues, low electrical conductivity, and strong radiation stability are some of the physical features of molybdenum disulfide. It can endure temperatures of up to a little over 1200 degrees Celsius (in a vacuum).
- Molybdenum Disulfide Oxidation Behavior: Because MoS2 is a dry lubricant, it has great thermal oxidation resistance. Oxidation occurs at a slow rate below 300oC in most cases. While the strength of MoS2 decreases slightly over 300 degrees Celsius, it can still provide enough protection and lubrication in industrial applications.
Molybdenum Disulfide resembles graphite in appearance and feel, and it, like graphite, is frequently employed as a solid lubricant.
- Strength Qualities: For use in harsh conditions, molybdenum disulfide lubricant is usually the lubricant of choice. One explanation is that it keeps things lubricated even when they’re oxidizing. The second reason is that MoS2 lowers the susceptibility of metal to degradation. This is performed by ensuring that big lubricant particles are applied to the metal, boosting the metal’s ability to withstand heavy stresses. As a result, molybdenum disulfide is used in applications requiring over 250,000 pounds per square inch of load-bearing capacity.
- Advantage as a Lubricant Additive: MoS2 can be utilized as a lubricant additive in a range of other types of lubricants. Grease is one of the most common lubricants used in conjunction with MoS2. The combination of MoS2 and grease allows crucial factors such as speed, roughness, and weight loads to be adjusted. As a result, grease containing MoS2 is widely used to reduce component wear and tear in transportation, construction, and agricultural vehicles, as well as military and mining applications. The addition of MoS2 to fluid lubricants can also be beneficial. Various types of industrial and commercial gears, such as hypoid gears, helical gears, and speed reducers, are routinely lubricated with extremely viscous solutions containing MoS2. Automotive industries frequently employ fluid lubricants coupled with MoS2 in gear testing processes.
When low friction is desired, it is frequently used as part of blends and composites.
- Cohesive Solid Film Lubricant: Molybdenum disulfide can be firmly attached to a metal component utilizing a variety of ways as a solid film lubricant. The following are the four most prevalent methods:
- Rubbing or burnishing
- Using a binder to suffocate
- Adding a lubricant such as MoS2 to a paint-like material
- Deposition of physical vapor
Molybdenum disulfide is a useful lubricant for industrial applications because of its strength, durability, and flexibility.