Different Uses of MoS2 Lubricant in Industrial Applications

MoS2 Lubricant

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is commonly known as Moly and it is used in making different kinds of lubricants. Usually, this chemical is available as dark gray or black powder. Its grains are crystalline in two shapes, namely hexagonal and rhombohedra. A molecule of MoS2 has the arrangement of S – Mo – S with sufficient spaces in between atoms of sulfur and molybdenum. This molecular arrangement has rendered the low friction property, for which MoS2 lubricant is known for its best quality.

Notable products in which MoS2 is needed

Grease can be made more lubricating by adding 50 – 70% Moly in it. It is available in the form of semi-liquid paste, which is applicable in car engines and all threaded joints of machines. It can be thickened by 1 – 2% to form solid lubricants, for applying on various machinery parts. Thus, this Moly-rich grease is in high demand in the sectors of agriculture, automotive, transport, construction, and mining.

Solid lubricants containing Moly are more efficient in decreasing the friction between two sliding surfaces. A thin film of the lubricant ranging between 1 to 5 nanometer forms over the metal substrate. This lubricant strongly bonds with the metal and forms a consolidated coating, rendering the capability of bearing heavy loads without slipping off. Bearings used in different industrial machines are coated with this type of lubricant, increasing the longevity of those vital machine parts.

Gear oils are liquid lubricants, which contain MoS2 particles of sizes in the range of 1 – 2 nanometers. The concentration of Moly in these oils varies from 0.1% to 3%, as particles of this compound remain dispersed in the fluid base. The application of this gear oil helps better in preventing mechanical seizure and also increases the load bearing ability of those machines. Usually, hypoid gears, helical gears, and worm gears can be lubricated with this Moly-rich gear oil.

Bonded lubricant contains up to 80% Moly, along with some additives, and a binder on a liquid base.  Particles of a solid lubricant are dispersed in a mixture of oil and binder, to be applied on metal parts to form a layer of uniform coating of thickness 8 – 18 nanometer. It can be spread evenly over the metal surface from a spray gun or an aerosol spray.

There are other uses of MoS2 in commercial fields, making uses of its thermal and electrical conductivities.