Preparation of Nano-Scale Molybdenum Disulfide by Liquid Phase Precipitation Method and Its Lubricating Properties

Transition metal compounds molybdenum disulfide has aroused widespread concern by its excellent characteristics and broad application prospects. In this paper, sodium molybdate and thioacetamide are taken as precursors, nanostructured molybdenum disulfide particles were prepared via liquid phase precipitation method with the aid of surfancts. The properties of the products were characterized by X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscopy. The tribological properties of nano molybdenum disulfide were investigated by a four ball friction and wear tester. The results show that the nano scale molybdenum disulfide between 150 approximate to 300nm can be obtained via liquid phase precipitation method in the acidic environment with the addition of surfactants polyethylene glycol (PEG-20000), cetanecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC) and anhydrous ethanol. The base oil tribological properties can be significantly improved by adding 1wt.% of prepared nano molybdenum disulfide, and the maximum nonseizure load of lubricating oil can be up to 670 N; when the load is 660N, there is no obvious wear scars in the upper steel ball. Lubricating oil mixed with synthesized nano molybdenum disulfide is more suitable for working under heavy load conditions, nano molybdenum disulfide as a base oil additive has a very broad application prospects.