Experimental study and modelling of mixed particulate lubrication with MoS2 powder solid lubricant

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is experimental study and modelling of mixed particulate lubrication with MoS2 powder solid lubricant. Design/methodology/approach: In the present investigation, ball-on-disc experiments were carried out to determine the lubrication performance of MoS2 solid lubricant powder that could be used for hard PVD coatings applied for forging and stamping tools. Findings: The proposed solid lubricant nano- and submicroparticles mixture demonstrates excellent potential for use in mixed lubrication regimes The quasi-hydrodynamic behaviour of solid lubricant and wear debris particles results in low friction coefficients of hard coating - steel ball friction pairs. Research limitations/implications: The solid lubricant particle exfoliation and formation of tribofilms on micro-asperities allow to achieve the boundary lubrication effects which is found to more preferable for steel contacts rather than for hard coatings. Originality/value: The model of mixed lubrication based on non Newtonian behaviour of powder solid lubricant was validated based on the experimental results. Results of calculation of Stribeck curves demonstrate the potential of modelling of friction process by sharing boundary and quasi-hydrodynamic processes.