An investigation on tribological properties of advanced microwave synthesized molybdenum disulfide as anti-friction additives in commercially available lubricating oils

Abstract

The frictional stress between opposing contact surfaces will damage the mechanical parts of a machine. An appropriate lubricant can significantly reduce this. Blending nanoadditives with base oil is claimed to be an effective technique to increase the anti-friction qualities of lubricants using nanotechnology. Advanced microwave synthesized molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) anti-friction nanoadditive was employed in various lubricating oils namely fully synthetic, semi-synthetic, mineral, and hydraulic oil to formulate the nanolubricant. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and a physical stability observation test were used to study the nanoadditives (MoS2) physicochemical characteristics. The tribological analysis of the MoS2 nanolubricant was measured using the four-ball tribotester. The coefficient of friction (COF) and average wear scar diameter (WSD) of the anti-friction additives were analyzed. The experimental results revealed improvements in COF and WSD in the range of 7.47–15.81% and 6.57–16.07% after the addition of MoS2 nanoparticles in the various lubricating oils. This study discovered that engine oil with advanced microwave-synthesized MoS2 nanoparticles has a significantly lower COF and WSD than engine oil that is not added with the anti-friction additives.