Investigation of the Lubrication Mechanisms of the Complex Metal Sulfide, SbSbS4

摘要

Studies have been 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. The 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 225C. 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.