Bilamellar 1T-MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ Composites with Enhanced Tribological Performance as Additives in Poly-α-Olefin Greases

Abstract

In our research described here gold-phase molybdenum disulfide (1T-MoS₂)/graphite-phase carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) composites were prepared by a simple solvent-thermal method to investigate their synergistic lubrication in poly-α-olefin lithium grease by the four-sphere mode. The growth of 1T-MoS₂ on g-C₃N₄ nanosheets was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Tribological tests showed that the best tribological performance of the poly-α-olefin grease was achieved when the concentration of 1T-MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ was 3 wt%; the coefficient of friction and the diameter of the abrasion marks were reduced by 37.7% and 51.2%, respectively, compared with the pure grease. Investigating the wear marks by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and elemental mapping analysis, it was found that the coupling between the liquid lubrication film and the solid friction film and the synergistic effect between 1T-MoS₂ and g-C₃N₄ were important factors to improve the tribological performance of the poly-α-olefin grease. We, therefore, note this study is expected to promote the development of new, high-performance greases.

Keywords:

• Composites
• gold-phase molybdenum disulfide/graphite-phase carbon nitride
• grease
• tribological performance
• tribofilms

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51675162); Natural Science Foundation of Henan (232300421206); Innovation and entrepreneurship training program at HAUST (2023177, 2023175) and the International Cultivation of Henan Advanced Talents (21060004) and Major Special Projects in Henan Province (225101610004).