Synergistic lubrication of MoS2 particles with different morphologies in liquid paraffin

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the synergistic lubrication of MoS 2 particles with different morphologies. Design/methodology/approach The synergistic lubrication of MoS 2 particles with different morphologies is evaluated using a four‐fall tribometer in liquid paraffin. Findings Results show that the morphology of MoS 2 has an influence on the tribological properties of MoS 2 . Both MoS 2 nano‐balls and nano‐platelets function as lubrication additives in liquid paraffin better than MoS 2 micro‐platelets do. It is also found that there is a synergistic lubrication between two different morphologies of MoS 2 . The composite MoS 2 additives with different morphologies can improve the wear resistance and friction reduction of liquid paraffin more than each of them singly does. The synergistic lubrication between two different MoS 2 morphologies results from the cooperation of their different lubrication mechanism. Originality/value The paper reveals a synergistic lubrication between two different MoS 2 structures. It is very advantageous and practical to partly displace nano‐MoS 2 with micro‐MoS 2 .