Tribological dissimilarity and solid-liquid interaction of WS2-Al film combining with different space oils in vacuum

Proper solid-liquid lubricating materials can generate synergistic effect, achieving long life under harsh operating condition for space equipment. Herein, the solid-liquid systems were constructed by WS2-Al film and typical space lubricating oils with different molecules (P201 and PFPE). The results indicate that the systems markedly prolong the life and firstly appear obvious tribological dissimilarities. Especially, WS2-Al/P201 system exhibits more longer life exceeding 6 × 105 r. It is attributed that the compact tribolayer consisting of numerous nanosheets lied flat on wear track surface and good transfer film are well formed. Differently, WS2-Al/PFPE system is found to happen more serious tribo-oxidation and only generate numerous floccule-like debris. Eventually, interactions between WS2-Al crystals and oil molecules are essentially revealed during friction process.