Investigation of the Lubrication Mechanisms of the Complex Metal Sulfide, SbSbS4.
Abstract
Studies were carried out to determine certain basic properties of the complex metal sulfide, SbSbS4, that pertain to its use as a solid lubricant and lubricant additive material. Past research demonstrated that this material exhibited superior extreme pressure (EP) performance, antiwear properties, and high temperature stability. The present research verified the performance under EP conditions as an additive to a base grease. However, the performance of SbSbS4 as a solid lubricant (in the form of a powder) was not found to be effective at temperatures below about 225 C. It was noted though that, when used as a dry powder lubricant, the compound did produce a thick adherent film on steel surfaces in sliding contact. Six different types of wear and friction tests were carried out under various conditions of load, sliding speed, contact geometry, temperature, and time, in order to fully explore the potential of SbSbS4 as a lubricant on several different metals. In a number of cases, its performance was compared with MOS2 and with other sulfur containing additives in lubricants. Electron microscopy studies on film material removed from the sliding contact surfaces showed that the interaction of sulfur released from SbSbS4 with the steel surface, presumably at locally elevated temperatures, is a principal mechanism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA119771
Entities
People
- A. W. Ruff
- J. S. Harris
- L. K. Ives
- M. B. Peterson
- P. A. Boyer
Organizations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology