Tribological Investigations of Composites and Other Selected Materials Slidingagainst Vacuum-Deposited MoS2 Coatings

摘要

A new materials approach for rolling element bearings in space satellite systemsinvolves the use of solid lubricating retainers and bearing elements vacuum-coated with MoS2. Improved vacuum deposition methods are now available to produce dense, suitably oriented, durable films of molybdenum disulfide. It is of interest to examine materials in sliding contact with such films in order to identify suitable combinations, and to further improve tribological performance of the system. Results of wear and friction measurements are presented on a number of materials including self-lubricating composites sliding against four different types of vacuum-deposited MoS2 films. The testing program used a controlled environment, pin-on-ring tribometer, with load and speed conditions appropriate to a possible application. Differences in wear over 4 orders of magnitude, and friction up to a factor of 7, were measured among the materials. Several promising material combinations are identified.