Influence of the Organic Moiety on the Tribological Properties of MoS 2 :Glycol Hybrid Nanoparticles-Based Dispersions

MoS 2 :glycol hybrid nanoparticles were synthetized through a polyol route. Their tribological properties when used as lubricant additives in a PAO 6 base oil were investigated using a pin-on-disk tribometer. An important friction reduction and good anti-wear performances were observed compared to the base oil and to the no modified particles. The MoS 2 :glycol nanoparticles were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, RAMAN spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared. Furthermore, the stability of the dispersion was followed by dynamic light scattering. On the other hand, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometry analysis showed that the tribofilm formed on the wear surfaces during the friction test is at the origin of the excellent tribological performance of the MoS 2 nanoparticles. In particular, it was demonstrated that the interaction of MoS 2 with the organic moiety of the nanoparticles plays a key role in the friction reduction and the good anti-wear properties of the dispersions.