Tribology performances of molybdenum disulfide reinforced thermoplastic polyimide under dry and water lubrication conditions

Abstract

Purpose

To provide some useful information on tribology performances of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) reinforced thermoplastic polymide under dry and water lubrication conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of MoS₂ content on composites' mechanical and tribological performances was investigated and worn morphologies, elements distribution and wear mechanisms under dry and water lubricant condition were also analyzed.

Findings

As a result, the composites' main mechanical performances decreased partly compared with pure PI and it became more stable with MoS₂ content unceasingly increasing (up to 20 wt%). In the dry sliding condition, the friction coefficient decreased obviously by filling MoS₂. The wear of composites which filled 10‐15 wt% MoS₂ was less than other composites in which MoS₂ content was below to 5 wt% or high than 20 wt%. It was found that materials wear happened mainly at initial stages of tribology test which the temperature was so high and the adhesive wear had a dominant place during the test process. While in the water lubrication condition, the composites tribological performances were improved evidently and MoS₂ was still an effective lubricant and the fatigue wear was the main factor during the tribology process.

Originality/value

The paper analyzed the MoS₂'s effect on materials mechanical and tribological performances and divided the tribology process into two parts according to materials friction and wear.

Citation

Peng, Z., Xiao, W., Xiao‐dong, W., Pei, H. and Jun, S. (2006), "Tribology performances of molybdenum disulfide reinforced thermoplastic polyimide under dry and water lubrication conditions", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 58 No. 4, pp. 195-201. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368790610670782