An Investigation on the Tribological Performances of the SiO(2)/MoS(2) Hybrid Nanofluids for Magnesium Alloy-Steel Contacts

Hybrid nano-materials offer potential scope for an increasing numerous novel applications when engineered to deliver availably functional properties. In the present study, the SiO(2)/MoS(2) hybrid nanoparticles with different mass ratios were employed as lubricant additives in the base oil, and their tribological properties were evaluated using a reciprocating ball-on-plate tribometer for magnesium alloy-steel contacts. The results demonstrate that the SiO(2)/MoS(2) hybrid nanoparticles exhibit superior lubrication performances than individual nano-SiO(2) or nano-MoS(2) even in high load and diverse velocity cases. The optimal SiO(2)/MoS(2) mixing ratio and the concentration of SiO(2)/MoS(2) hybrid nanoparticles in the base oil are 0.25:0.75 and 1.00–1.25 wt%, respectively. The excellent lubrication properties of the SiO(2)/MoS(2) hybrid nanoparticles are attributed to the physical synergistic lubricating actions of nano-SiO(2) and nano-MoS(2) during the rubbing process.