Tribological performances of MoS2/C60 nanocomposite as lubricating additive in dioctyl sebacate

Purpose This paper aims to solve the problems molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) nanosheets suffer from inadequate dispersion stability and form a weak lubricating film on the friction surface, which severely limits their application as lubricant additives. Design/methodology/approach MoS 2 /C 60 nanocomposites were prepared by synthesizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) nanosheets on the surface of hydrochloric acid-activated fullerenes (C 60 ) by in situ hydrothermal method. The composition, structure and morphology of MoS 2 /C 60 nanocomposites were characterized. Through the high-frequency reciprocating tribology test, its potential as a lubricant additive was evaluated. Findings MoS 2 /C 60 nanocomposites that were prepared showed good dispersion in dioctyl sebacate (DOS). When 0.5 Wt.% MoS 2 /C 60 was added, the friction reduction performance and wear resistance improved by 54.5% and 62.7%, respectively. Originality/value MoS 2 /C 60 composite nanoparticles were prepared by in-situ formation of MoS 2 nanosheets on the surface of C 60 activated by HCl through hydrothermal method and were used as potential lubricating oil additives. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2023-0321/