Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), also known as moly, is an inorganic metallic compound made of molybdenum and sulfur. This compound occurs in a natural state as mineral molybdenite (the principal ore of molybdenum) and has a crystal lattice layered structure.
Weak bonds in atoms in different layers and strong bonds connecting atoms in single layers allow the plate to slide over one another. Similar materials include tungsten disulfide, boron nitride, lead iodide, silver sulfate, mica, and cadmium iodide.
Molybdenum disulfide is black in appearance and mostly unreactive with most chemical elements. Molybdenum disulfide is similar to graphite in terms of texture and appearance, and like graphite, it is used in greases for bit lubrication and as a dry lubricant.
Molybdenum Disulfide Applications
Due to the molybdenum disulfide’s geothermal origin, it offers excellent durability to withstand intense pressure and heat. This is especially true if some amounts of sulfur are present to interact with iron to form a sulfide layer which works with moly to maintain a lubricating film.
Molybdenum disulfide has unique lubricant properties that distinguish it from most solid lubricants. It has a low coefficient of friction which is inherent, film-forming structure, effective lubricating properties, a robust affinity for metallic surfaces, and very high yield strength.
A combination of moly and water-soluble sulfides offers both lubrication and corrosion prevention in metal forming materials and cutting fluids. Similarly, oil-soluble molybdenum-sulfur elements like thiocarbamates and thiophosphates offer engine protection against common wear, corrosion, and oxidation.
Because of the weak van der Waals reactions between the layers of sulfur atoms, molybdenum disulfide has a relatively low coefficient of friction. MoS2 is a typical combination of composites and blends that need low friction.
Many types of oils and greases are often used since they can preserve their lubricity, thus extending their use to more critical applications like aircraft engines. Molybdenum disulfide can also be added to plastics to create a composite to enhance strength and reduce friction.
Molybdenum disulfide coating (consisting of high purity moly powder) is a dry film lubricant used on industrial parts to reduce wear and improve the coefficient of friction. Applications of MoS2 coatings include areas requiring an unreactive lubricant that doesn’t trigger reactions when used. Typical applications of molybdenum disulfide include:
- Fuel cell applications
- Vacuum applications
- Photonics and photovoltaics
- High-temperature applications
- Military applications
- Automotive applications like two-stroke engines
Order Molybdenum Disulfide from Bisley International
At Bisley International, we supply technical, technical fine, and superfine grades of high purity (>98 percent) molybdenum disulfide. Our moly products provide high sliding, high pressure, and anti-wear properties in extreme operating conditions to prevent wear and galling.
These unique properties occur due to the compound’s low reactivity, layered structure, and coefficient of friction. At Bisley International, we can tailor products to your unique specifications.
Contact us today for more details and explore the full Molyzol product range at our website before making an order. Check out our full range of Grease, Lubricants & Additives.
