Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is widely used for its lubricating properties. It is a dry lubricant commonly employed in applications requiring extreme pressure and high temperatures, such as in greases for automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery. Additionally, MoS2 is used in coatings to reduce wear and friction on various mechanical parts, and it finds applications in electronics, photovoltaics, and even as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions.
solid film coating
solid film coating
Molybdenum Disulfide
Nature’s Superlubricant with Excellent Shear Strength
Molybdenum Coatings
The Economical Way to Lubricate
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) coatings are an innovative solution in surface technology, primarily known for their exceptional lubricating properties and shear strength. This material is derived from molybdenite ore, which after processing, offers a low-friction surface that is especially valuable in harsh, high-load environments. The demand for MoS2 coatings has grown due to their ability to reduce wear and minimize friction without the need for additional lubricants.
Armoloy's molybdenum disulfide coating works well under high pressure and low speed, where galling is the principal reason for failure. For instance, they are used in automotive, aerospace, and military applications to enhance the durability and performance of moving parts. The coatings function by allowing the transfer of lubricant materials between contact surfaces, significantly reducing the risk of wear and mechanical failure under high loads.
Beyond Industrial Uses and Benefits
From high-tech electronics to environmental cleanup, MoS2 coatings enhance performance across diverse applications.
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) coatings offer a fascinating array of properties that extend their utility beyond mere lubrication. These coatings are notable for their electrical and thermal conductivity, making them suitable for semiconductor and electronic applications where they can handle high operational temperatures effectively. Furthermore, the optical properties of MoS2 are particularly beneficial in photonic devices like photodetectors and LEDs due to its ability to exhibit a direct bandgap when reduced to a monolayer.
Additionally, MoS2’s versatile nature finds applications in environmental and biomedical fields. It serves as a catalyst in water and air purification technologies and shows promise in photocatalytic applications aimed at environmental cleanup. In the biomedical sector, MoS2 is explored for uses in drug delivery systems and biosensors due to its biocompatibility and functional surface characteristics. Its robustness under extreme conditions also makes it ideal for use in space exploration, where traditional lubricants fail, and in industrial equipment subjected to high pressures and temperatures.
Molybdenum Disulfide Highlights
- Excellent lubrication
- High thermal stability
- Versatility in applications
- Direct bandgap in monolayer form
- Environmentally friendly
- Chemical stability
Proven applications
MoS2 can improve the long-term performance of all the following industry-specific applications and more.
- Microelectronics
- Photovoltaics
- Firearms
- Fuel cell components
- Automotive
- Sliding applications
- Vacuum systems
- Defense
Performance Characteristics
Molybdenum Disulfide by the Numbers
- Coefficient of friction as low as 0.04
- 250,000 PSI
- Shear strength 25.3 MPa
- Thickness range of .0002"-.0004"
- Processing temperature <200°F
- 500°F max working temperature
Molybdenum Disulfide Features & Benefits
Exceptional lubricity
A very low 0.04 CoF helps in reducing wear and friction significantly
High load bearing capacity
MoS2 coatings can withstand extreme pressures, often exceeding 250,000 psi, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Temperature resistance
Standard MoS2 coatings can endure up to 500°F, with special formulations capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 1000°F
Versatility
MoS2 can be applied to a wide range of substrates, including metals and some non-metallic surfaces
Environmental resistance
The coatings are resistant to oxidation and degradation, maintaining their integrity in various environmental conditions
Eco-friendly
As a dry lubricant, MoS2 reduces the need for liquid lubricants, which can be pollutant, thus contributing to greener mechanical processes
Direct bandgap in monolayer form
In its single-layer form, MoS2 exhibits a direct bandgap, which is advantageous for optoelectronic applications like transistors and sensors
Economical corrosion guard
MoS2 is a cost-effective coating add-on for extra corrosion control
The Science Behind Molybdenum Disulfide
How it Works
The underlying science of MoS2 involves its unique molecular structure, which consists of layers of molybdenum atoms sandwiched between layers of sulfur atoms. This structure is similar to graphite, with weak van der Waals forces holding the layers together, allowing them to slide over each other easily, thus providing the low-friction properties. MoS2 exists in various crystalline forms, which can be semiconducting or metallic, depending on their symmetry and the number of layers present. These properties make MoS2 an attractive option not only for coatings but also for potential applications in electronics and optoelectronics.
Additional Metal Treatments
Services at Armoloy
The Armoloy Corporation is here to provide support for your project, starting from the discovery phase and continuing through a successful production launch. Whether coatings are considered during the initial part design phase or become necessary due to product failures in the field, our team can assist you at any stage in the process.
Research & Development
Fully equipped R&D plating lab for test runs, prototyping, and continual development of our plating technologies. Our turnkey approach ensures high-quality outcomes for your project.
Process Development & Validation
Support from design to product launch with coating selection, prototyping, testing, PPAP validation, and plating production on any scale. We also support a range of ASTM and AMS test methods with a NADCAP-certified laboratory.
Fulfillment
Armoloy ensures the development of a robust plating process that can be distributed to one of our 16 plating facilities. We’ll handle prototyping, process validation, and much more.
How Metals Fail
Some of the most common metal failures include:
Armoloy’s different metal coating solutions help industries avoid costly metal failures and unplanned downtime.
In engines, molybdenum disulfide is primarily used as an additive in lubricants and greases to reduce friction and wear. It is particularly effective in protecting engine parts under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. MoS2 is commonly used in two-stroke engines, such as those in motorcycles, as well as in components like CV and universal joints. Its ability to maintain lubrication even when oil levels are low makes it invaluable in ensuring the longevity and performance of engine parts.
Molybdenum disulfide is generally considered to have low toxicity, and is not classified as a hazardous substance under normal conditions of use. However, as with any chemical compound, it is essential to handle MoS2 with appropriate safety measures to avoid inhalation or prolonged skin contact.
Coating with molybdenum disulfide typically involves a few methods, including burnishing, spraying, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Burnishing involves rubbing MoS2 powder onto a surface until a thin, uniform layer is formed. Spraying uses a suspension of MoS2 in a suitable solvent, which is sprayed onto the surface and then dried. CVD is a more advanced technique where MoS2 is deposited onto a substrate through a chemical reaction at high temperatures, forming a strong, durable coating. These methods are chosen based on the specific application requirements and the desired properties of the coating.
Partner With Us
Improve metal surface performance to its highest pinnacle. Meet our group of curious, innovative engineers and learn how we can help improve your industry with science-based solutions like our nickel chrome plating.