Synthesis and Tribological Properties of Tubular NbS2 and TaS2 Nanostructures

Abstract

NbS2 and TaS2 nanostubes were prepared via solid state reaction method, and their tribological properties were studied over a wide range of normal loads and sliding velocities. The size distributions and shapes of sulfides were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the NbS2 and TaS2 compounds had tubular structures with the mean diameter of 100 nm and length of 10 mm. The effect of NbS2 and TaS2 nanotubes added in commercial lubricating oil T40, was initially studied using the instrument MS-T3000. The results showed that the antiwear ability of NbS2 and TaS2 as additives was obviously better than that of the normal lubricating oil in ambient conditions. The general frictional properties of the solid lubricant containing TaS2 is better than those of the solid lubricant containing NbS2. The frictional mechanism was discussed.