An investigation on the tribological properties of Co(ReO4)2/MoS2 composite as potential lubricating additive at various temperatures

Abstract

The Co(ReO4)2 powder was fabricated via the aqueous solution method, and mixed with MoS2 powder using ball milling technique. A certain concentration of Co(ReO4)2/MoS2 composite additive was dispersed into the poly alpha olefin base oil with the assistance of surface active agents. The load-carrying property and lubricating behavior of base oil containing a certain content of Co(ReO4)2/MoS2 composite additive at various temperatures were evaluated by four-ball test and ball-on-disc sliding friction test. The physical properties and friction-reducing mechanism of synthesized composite were ascertained by a series of characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry. The four-ball test results suggested the Co(ReO4)2/MoS2 composite additive could effectively promote the load-carrying capacity of base oil, and decrease the friction coefficient as well as wear scar diameter. Ball-on-disc sliding friction test results showed that the base oil with Co(ReO4)2/MoS2 composite additive possessed lower friction coefficients than that of base oil in the whole temperature range, particularly at high temperatures. The protective layer consisted of composite additive and native oxides from superalloy substrate formed on the worn surface to prevent the direct contact between friction pair. The Co(ReO4)2/MoS2 composite played a dominant role in friction-reducing function in the protective layer at elevated temperatures, and the reason for this was that MoS2 possessed layered structure and superior adsorption capacity, and Co(ReO4)2 had experienced thermal softening with elevated temperatures and maintained shear-susceptible hexagonal structure.