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Friction-Induced Chemical and Structural Modifications of Molybdenum Disulphide Thin Films

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Abstract

The present work investigates chemical and structural modifications of molybdenum disulphide thin coatings induced by macroscale friction in both reactive (air) and inert conditions. Chemical and micro-structural modifications were analyzed in detail by Raman spectroscopy. We found no traces of oxide formation even when sliding was performed in the air. However, the formation of a well-adhered tribofilm, related to superior lubricating properties, was detected only in inert conditions. We can conclude that, in ambient condition, it is water physisorption and not oxidation, which impairs good lubrication. At the same time, Raman spectra indicated a re-crystallization effect induced by sliding.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by OPVVV grant Novel nanostructures for engineering applications No. CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_026/0008396.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, Informatiche e Matematiche, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, 41125, Modena, Italy

    E. Serpini & S. Valeri

  2. Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University, Technicka 2, 166 27, Prague 6, Czech Republic

    T. Vitu & T. Polcar

  3. Centro Interdipartimentale per la Ricerca Applicata e i Servizi nella Meccanica Avanzata e nella Motoristica Intermech-Mo.Re., Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Vignolese 905/b, 41125, Modena, Italy

    A. Rota & S. Valeri

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  1. E. Serpini
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Correspondence to T. Vitu.

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This invited article is part of a special topical focus in the Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance on Surface Engineering. The issue was organized by Dr. M.K. Banerjee, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur.

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Serpini, E., Vitu, T., Rota, A. et al. Friction-Induced Chemical and Structural Modifications of Molybdenum Disulphide Thin Films. J. of Materi Eng and Perform 30, 4117–4125 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-021-05928-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-021-05928-5

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