Stable dispersion of MoS₂ nanoparticles in oil under critical conditions: Graphene-reinforced nano-lubricants for wear reduction

Zhichao Xu , Liangjun Lyu , Xiao Han , Yunshan Chen , Mostafa Habibi , Touba Zolfaghari

Abstract

A hybrid nanolubricant was developed by dispersing MoS₂ nanoparticles in graphene-enhanced engine oil to address wear under severe boundary lubrication in racing engines, focusing on colloidal stability and protective interfacial film architecture to prevent phase separation or aggregation under high shear and thermal cycling. XRD and Raman confirmed retained MoS₂ phase and carbon presence, while SEM/TEM revealed lamellar MoS₂ distribution and intercalation on/between graphene sheets. Turbidity, static holding, and centrifugal tests demonstrated stable dispersion without concentration gradients over time. EDS/XPS verified Mo and S dominance as sulfide species, and FTIR indicated minimal unwanted oxygen groups. The hybrid nanolubricant leverages MoS₂'s tribological advantages while graphene improves dispersion stability and protective layer durability under racing-like conditions, facilitating translation from laboratory to reliable formulations.

Key Words

boundary lubrication; colloidal stability; dispersion stability; engine oil; graphene; hybrid nanocomposites; MoS₂ nanoparticles; nano-lubricants; racing engines; wear reduction

Address

Zhichao Xu — National Civil Engineering Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center, Hunan City University, Yiyang, 413002, Hunan, China/ Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of Geological Environment System for Permafrost Areas in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, China/ Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Structural Safety and Disaster Prevention of Urban Underground Infrastructure, Hunan City University, Yiyang, 413002, Hunan, China
Liangjun Lyu — School of Economics and Management, Lanzhou Institute of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, Gansu, China
Xiao Han — Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan, 48075, U.S.A
Yunshan Chen — Key Laboratory of Key Technologies for Digital Urban and Rural Spatial Planning of Hunan Province, Hunan City University, Yiyang, 413002, Hunan, China
Mostafa Habibi — Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Haliç University, Istanbul, Turkey/ Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
Touba Zolfaghari — Department of Chemistry, Basic of Sciences Faculty, Ilam University, 69315-516 Ilam, Iran

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