Abstract
MoS2 is commonly used as a lubricant in spacecraft applications, and it is necessary to improve the vacuum tribological properties of MoS2 films. Thus, in the current study, hard phase (Ta, Ti, and TiN) and soft metal (Pb) double-doped MoS2 composite films were designed and prepared using an unbalanced magnetron sputtering system. The microstructures and mechanical and tribological properties of the hard-soft phase doped Pb/MoS2 composite films were systematically investigated. The results showed that the synergistic effect of the hard and soft metals gave a denser MoS2 structure denser. In addition, an amorphous structure was generated along with fine crystals, leading to a structure typical of nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous phase. Furthermore, compared with the Ti-doped Pb/MoS2 film, the doped alternative hard phase (i.e. Ta and TiN) improves the mechanical properties, among which the adhesion strength of Ta-Pb /MoS2 film is the highest, and the hardness of TiN-Pb /MoS2 film is the highest. Importantly, the soft metal Pb and its sulfide are excellent lubricants, while the hard phase ensures the long-term reliability of the films. Overall, these soft-hard bimetallic-doped MoS2 films exhibit superior tribological properties to their un-doped equivalents.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
