The Influence of Surface Chemistry on MoS2 Transfer Film Formation.
Abstract
A variety of MoS2 films having different initial surface compositions and different degrees of reaction in oxidizing atmospheres have been prepared by sputter deposition onto 440 C steel substrates. The compositions of these films, including their degree of oxidation and their molybdenum-sulfur stoichiometry, have been determined by x-ray photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopy immediately before the films were subjected to sliding wear tests. These tests, which used an in-house, ring-on-disk apparatus operating in an inert atmosphere, involved rubbing coated specimens against initially uncoated, polished 440 C steel countersurfaces. Films that had approximately 30 to 40% of their surface layers oxidized to MoO3 gave the best wear results. In addition, the presence of elemental sulfur in the film surface layers appears to enhance wear life. These data are interpreted to mean that much better adhesion between the transfer film and the initially bare steel surface is obtained through chemical bonding of the transferred MoS2 when its surface layers are disrupted by chemical modification. Keywords: Solid lubrication.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 25, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA172384
Entities
People
- Paul D. Fleishchauer
- Reinhold Bauer
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation