Frictional Behavior of MoS2 Coatings: A Comparative Study of Dynamic and Static Friction in Vacuum and Inert Gases

Abstract

The tribological behavior of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) coatings was systematically investigated under various controlled gas environments in a vacuum chamber. A hemispherical steel pin was slid cyclically over a MoS2-coated steel disk, prepared via high-speed powder spraying. The study measured both dynamic and static friction coefficients under different gaseous atmospheres, including high vacuum, helium, argon, dry air, and water vapor. In high vacuum (10−5 Pa), an ultra-low dynamic friction coefficient (µ ≈ 0.01) was observed, while increasing values were recorded with helium (µ ≈ 0.03), argon (µ ≈ 0.04), dry air (µ ≈ 0.17), and water vapor (µ ≈ 0.30). Static friction coefficients followed a similar trend, decreasing significantly upon evacuation of water vapor or injection of inert gases. Surface analyses revealed that friction in vacuum or inert gases promoted smooth wear tracks and basal plane alignment of MoS2 crystallites, while exposure to water vapor led to rougher, more disordered wear surfaces. Mass spectrometry and energetic modeling of physisorption interactions provided further insights into gas–solid interfacial mechanisms. These results demonstrate that the tribological performance of MoS2 coatings is highly sensitive to the surrounding gas environment, with inert and vacuum conditions favoring low friction through enhanced basal plane orientation and minimal gas–surface interactions. In contrast, water vapor disrupts this structure, increasing friction and surface degradation. Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing MoS2-based lubrication systems in varying atmospheric or sealed environments.