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Abstract
The present study undertakes the assessment of the effect of the incorporation of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) flakes on the tribological behavior of polycarbonate (PC) matrix. Five weight ratios of the MoS2 particles in the PC matrix were considered in the range of 0–10 wt%. The composites were developed by direct injection molding. The determination of various tribological parameters after wear testing (friction coefficient, wear volume loss, and profilometric traces) and microscopical observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were combined in an attempt to understand the effect of the solid lubricant in the composites’ tribological performance. It was found that the tribological properties were improved by the addition of MoS2 particles. Maximum reductions in the friction coefficient and wear were obtained with an MoS2 mass content of about 7 to 10 wt%. It seems that MoS2 decreases the polymer surface melting by dissipating the generated heat. Under sliding conditions, the incorporation of MoS2 particles enhances the abrasive component in the wear mechanism, which is manifested by the formation of scratches in the two bodies in contact.