Application of nano-molybdenum disulfide additives for improved performance of various commercial oils

Abstract

One of the main challenges in internal combustion engines is the significant energy loss due to friction. An improved method has been developed to improve the performance of commercial engines by adding molybdenum disulfide to three commercial oils (ZIC, Shell and Mannol). The paper presents the morphological and technical properties of the mechanically activated MoS₂ used as an additive in engine oils. The best concentrations of molybdenum used were 0.03, 0.05 and 0.07% for ZIC, Shell and Mannol. The values of the difference in the running-in time, running-in wear, attitude factors friction, friction coefficient and total friction with molybdenum disulfide for ZIC were 2.97 to 3.10, 2.01 to 2.43, 1.75 to 1.88, 0.05 to 0.08 and 6.0 to 6.19. According to these results, the improvements in the oils were in the order of ZIC > Shell > Mannol. The reduction in the interlayer interactions in MoS₂ improved the lubricating property of 2D nanomaterials. The natural lattice mismatch and periodic structure formation (during mechanical activation) enabled a low-friction state by considering MoS₂ lattice constant as 0.315 nm. The mechanical activation of MoS₂ equalized its dimensions and enabled its effective spreading in engine oil; aiding in the improvement of the engine performance and saving energy in transport and industry.