Synthesis of Ultrathin WS(2) Nanosheets and Their Tribological Properties as Lubricant Additives

In this paper, ultrathin WS(2) nanosheets with thickness of about 5 nm were successfully prepared by a facile solid phase reaction method. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). On the basis of experimental results obtained under different reaction durations, a possible formation mechanism of WS(2) nanosheets is proposed. The tribological performance of ultrathin WS(2) nanosheets as additives in the 500SN base oil was tested by an UMT-2 ball-on-disc tribotester, and the worn surface of the steel disc was investigated by a non-contact optical profile testing instrument and SEM. The results showed that the friction coefficient and anti-wear property of base oil can be improved strikingly by adding ultrathin WS(2) nanosheets. Especially, when the concentration of WS(2) nanosheets was 1.0 wt.%, the corresponding lubricating oil exhibited the best tribological properties. Moreover, according to the investigation of the wear scar, an anti-friction and anti-wear mechanism is proposed. It is believed that the reduction of friction and wear must come from the addition of ultrathin WS(2) nanosheets which can penetrate and enter the friction interface and form a continuous tribofilm on the rubbing face.