Tribological behavior of molybdenum disulphide particles-high density polyethylene composite

Abstract

This paper deals with the tribological behavior of high density polyethylene/molybdenum disulphide (MoS2-HDPE) composites against M30NW stainless steel. As received HDPE pellets were milled and blended with MoS2 particles using a ball milling machine. The reinforced HDPE specimens with different contents of MoS2 were elaborated by means of a compression molding machine. At tribological characterization including the wear rate and friction coefficient was conducted using a linear reciprocating pin-on-disc tribometer under dry conditions. Tribocorrosion tests were carried out in the presence of a bovine serum solution (30 g L−1 of protein). It is highlighted that the use of MoS2 enhances the tribological performance of HDPE composites compared to the unfilled polymer under dry and lubricated conditions. In both cases, an optimal content of MoS2 was around 4 wt%. Morphological and chemical investigations using SEM and EDS analyses were performed on the composite discs after wear tests. Thus, the wear scenario was discussed in relation to the MoS2 content.