Synthesis and tribological properties of WS2/MoS2 micro-nano composite lubricant

Finding ways to improve the performance of additives is critical to meeting the industrial demand for highperformance lubricants. A WS2/MoS2 micro-nano composite was synthesized by coating nano-MoS2 onto activated micro-WS2 to enhance nano-MoS2 lubrication. The WS2/MoS2 in base oil significantly reduced the wear by 65.3 % and 46.4 % compared to micro-WS2 and nano-MoS2, respectively. In the WS2/MoS2, WS2 isolates and lubricates the friction pair through its layered structure, but contributes minimally to tribofilm formation. NanoMoS2, with its high reactivity, exfoliates into nanosheets that transfer to the friction surface to form the tribofilm, working alongside compounds like Fe2(SO4)3 and Fe3O4 to enhance lubrication. This work provides a way to improve the performance of lubricants and demonstrates potential applications in lubricating oil modification.