Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2)

Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2) is a dry lubricant coating that provides low friction and high load bearing, as well as chemical, abrasion and corrosion resistance.

Molybdenum Disulphide forms a crystalline lattice structure. The bonds between the Molybdenum and sulphur particles are strong, whereas the bonds between the crystalline lattice layers (sulphur to sulphur) are relatively weak. The weak bond allows the layers to shear easily along the shear planes. It’s this shearing mechanism that acts as a lubricating layer between two sliding surfaces.

This is demonstrated by the Crystal structure model below:

Dry film lubricants like Molybdenum Disulphide are used for a number of different reasons. Typically they are used where liquid lubricants cannot function. Liquid lubricants can change their fluid state due to temperature, wear, debris collection or load, which can prevent them from acting in a lubricating manner.

A balance of Molybdenum Disulphide’s DFL properties can be produced by varying the ratio of lubricating pigment to binder, as well as adjusting the binder type and cure temperature. MoS2 coatings are also available in air cured versions and in aerosol form, for local repair and touch-up.