Performance of layered morphology in tribological applications and its two-dimensional modification with MoS2 for the enhanced performance in lubrication

Li₂TiO₃'s distinctive layered structure holds promise for augmenting the wear resistance of industrial coating systems. The present work outlined the influence of 2D assembled MoS₂ on layered structure for enhancing the tribological performance of Li₂TiO₃. The synthesis of Li₂TiO₃ was carried out using the sol-gel method and the Li₂TiO₃/MoS₂ composite coating was developed by Phosphate conversion coating. The phase purity of the generated materials has been validated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The composite material exhibited a lack of additional phases, hence precluding any possible interactions among the oxides. The confirmation of the effective integration of the composites into the coating was achieved by employing XRD and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) methods. SEM and optical surface profilometry was used to examine the shape and roughness of coating surface. The hardness of the Li₂TiO₃/MoS₂ composite coating has been observed to exhibit a significantly elevated value of 750 HV, along with low friction coefficient and enhanced wear resistance when compared to pure Li₂TiO₃. The utilization of a cost-effective technique for coating preparation, along with the incorporation of a composite material including Li₂TiO₃/MoS₂ into the hot-dip galvanization process, presents an innovative approach for exploring prospective materials suitable for industrial applications.