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Microtribology and Friction-Induced Material Transfer in Layered MoS2 Nanoparticles Sprayed on a Steel Surface

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Abstract

Frictional performance of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) particles sprayed on a substrate is investigated in a ball-on-disc tribometer. The ability of large (~2 μm) and small (~50 nm) particles to generate low-friction transfer film is investigated with a view to elucidate the requirement for film formation. Particle migration, particle stability in the contact region, oxidation potential, and particle adhesion to the substrate are explored within a span of operating parametersp; normal load, and sliding velocity. It is found that the larger particles are able to migrate to the contact to raise a homogeneous but nonuniform low-friction transfer film that flows plastically to yield large contact areas, which aid in wear protection. Within the present load and speed range, the inability of small particles to stay in the contact region and undergo basal slip militates against the formation of a low-friction transfer film.

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Acknowledgment

The authors are grateful to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Mumbai, India for their support in carrying out this work. Our sincere thanks to Mrs. Bindu CN, for the help in carrying out this work.

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  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India

    Rashmi R. Sahoo & Sanjay K. Biswas

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  1. Rashmi R. Sahoo
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  2. Sanjay K. Biswas
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Correspondence to Sanjay K. Biswas.

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Sahoo, R.R., Biswas, S.K. Microtribology and Friction-Induced Material Transfer in Layered MoS2 Nanoparticles Sprayed on a Steel Surface. Tribol Lett 37, 313–326 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-009-9525-4

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