Enhanced Dispersibility of MoS2 Nanoparticles in Poly-α-Olephines Lubricant Through Surface Modification

Molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles attract considerable attention as solid lubricants and oil-additives thanks to their excellent lubricating properties. As additive, MoS ₂ permits an excellent enhancement of oil wear and friction parameters. However, the major problem that limits its use as additive is its agglomeration that gives rise to the loss of the individual properties of nanoparticles. In this contribution, and with the aim to improve the dispensability of MoS ₂ nanoparticles, a chemical surface modification of MoS ₂ nanoparticles using alkyl-silane group based dispersants in Poly-a-olefin base oils (PAO4, PAO8) was studied. The agglomeration phenomena was investigated via DLS technique by measuring the nanoparticles size distribution in oil suspensions while the nanoparticles sedimentation vs. time was studied by a visual control.