Comparison of Tribological Performance of WS ₂ Nanoparticles, Microparticles and Mixtures Thereof

Tribological performance of tungsten sulfide (WS₂) nanoparticles, microparticles and mixtures of the two were investigated. Previous research showed that friction and wear reduction can be achieved with nanoparticles. Often these improvements were mutually exclusive, or achieved under special conditions (high temperature, high vacuum) or with hard-to-synthesize inorganic-fullerene WS₂ nanoparticles. This study aimed at investigating the friction and wear reduction of WS₂ of nanoparticles and microparticles that can be synthesized in bulk and/or purchased off the shelf. Mixtures of WS₂ nanoparticles and microparticles were also tested to see if a combination of reduced friction and wear would be achieved. The effect of the mixing process on the morphology of the particles was also reported. The microparticles showed the largest reduction in coefficient of friction while the nanoparticles showed the largest wear scar area reduction. Mixtures of nanoparticles and microparticles did not provide the desired combination of significant friction and wear reductions.