For the first time, the rolling contact performance of Ti-MoS2 films was evaluated using a thrust bearing tribometer and ball­ on-rod tribometers at 1 GPa Hertzian contact stress. Rolling contact measurements performed in humid air indicate that the useful life of Ti-MoS2 as a solid lubricant depends upon the amount of coating material retained in the contacts. Results of the rolling contact experiments performed in a vacuum indicate that Ti-MoS 2 film on balls may function extremely well as a solid lubricant for ball bearings operating in vacuum.

Author: H. Singh, K. C. Mutyala, H. Mohseni, T. W. Scharf, R. D. Evans & G. L. Doll

Publish Date: June 12, 2017