Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), or moly, is an inorganic compound made up of sulfur and molybdenum. It naturally occurs in a layered structure which makes it versatile and more effective in a variety of applications.
Molybdenum disulfide has a wide range of industrial and commercial uses and applications, including lubricants. Its low reactivity makes it an ideal choice for low-friction materials. Furthermore, this compound is considered an effective lubricant because of its low coefficient of friction and chemical inertness.
Molybdenum disulfide can also be used as a dry lubricant, meaning it does not require a liquid lubricant. It’s also able to protect metallic surfaces from corrosion and wear, making it an ideal choice for many industrial applications.
Properties of Molybdenum Disulfide
Molybdenum disulfide has a high melting point and low thermal expansion, which makes it suitable for high-temperature applications, such as furnaces and engines. It has a high electrical conductivity and is often used in electrical components, such as transistors and electromagnets.
Molybdenum Disulfide is highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion, making it an effective lubricant for high-humidity and salt-water environments.
Molybdenum Disulfide as a Lubricant
Molybdenum disulfide has an extremely high melting point, just like most other mineral salts. Because of its layered, hexagonal structure, molybdenum disulfide, like graphite, is commonly used as a solid lubricant.
Molybdenum disulfide is an important component of extreme pressure (EP) lubricants that offer protection under extreme loadings. When regular grease is used in high-pressure applications, it can be pressed to the extent that the greased surfaces come into physical contact, leading to friction and wear.
Extreme-pressure oils with solid lubricants, such as molybdenum disulfide, can help reduce or avoid these issues. It provides superior lubrication and protection against wear and tear, even in extreme conditions such as high temperatures, pressures, shear, and loads.
Extreme pressure lubricants also help to improve efficiency and reduce downtime due to reduced friction and wear. They also help to extend machinery life and cut energy consumption.
Because of its lubricant properties, molybdenum disulfide has many industrial applications, including aerospace, automotive, machine tools, and medical device components. In the automotive industry, it’s used to lubricate engine components and transmissions.
In the aerospace field, molybdenum disulfide is used to lubricate aircraft engines, turbine blades, and other moving parts. It can also help reduce friction in metal parts, boosting the lifespan of machines.
Due to its low density and high lubricity, molybdenum disulfide can also be added to plastics and polymer composites. Moreover, Molybdenum disulfide has good thermal and electrical conductivity, and its chemical inertness makes it an excellent corrosion inhibitor.
Buy Molybdenum Disulfide from Bisley International
Bisley International offers branded Molybdenum disulfide called Molyzol, which is available in three grades: Technical, Technical Fine, and Super Fines. We also have a unique product that is 95% molybdenum disulfide that provides the close to the same to the same performance as typical 98% molybdenum disulfide for a portion of the price. With increasing molybdenum prices, this additive could provide excellent performance and cost savings. If you have any questions, contact us today, and our team will answer all your questions to ensure you get the best MoS2 grade for your applications.
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