Molybdenum Disulphide Lubrication

Citation

(2000), "Molybdenum Disulphide Lubrication", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 52 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2000.01852aae.001

Molybdenum Disulphide Lubrication

Molybdenum Disulphide Lubrication

A.R. LansdownElsevier Science BV,1999ISBN 0-444-50032-4US$175

Keywords: Lubrication, Molybdenum disulphide

The author has produced this book at a time when he believes the knowledge of the subject is on a "stable plateau" and radical short-term changes in our knowledge are unlikely.

Accepting this sensible concept, the author has in a single volume produced a comprehensive reference covering our current understanding of the subject.

I am sure that those also involved in research and perhaps ever more those involved in lubrication formulation will find in this book a wealth of knowledge.

Even in the Preface the author emphasises work done on the consolidation of bonded films and the importance of the running in of these films on subsequent effects in finish and film life. This highlights one of the problems of the lubrication and tribology world where well-documented practical work is still either unknown or its importance not understood by those at the practical end of the business. In fact, do those who use MOS2 in their lubricant formulations really understand the value of the component or just the cosmetic need to add "moly"?

In studying the book one is immediately struck by the depth of information provided. Perhaps unexpected though is the fact that this is a technical book that can be read and actually enjoyed!

The book covers the history and industrial production of molybdenum disulphide and goes on to highlight the properties of this product.

The formation and properties of MOS2 films, together with an understanding of the lubrication principles, leads onto a chapter describing the process by which on its own MOS2 can be used for lubrication.

A synopsis of the current situation regarding the techniques of spultering and bonded films to provide a substrate coating are provided together with a review of the current use of MOS2 in composite materials.

The rest of the book covers a great deal of information on the practical use of MOS2 in oils and greases. An interesting chapter on corrosion and fretting provides a background to those often misunderstood subjects.

Other similar solid lubricants are mentioned and the book closes with a practical guide to the suitability of solid lubrication and the right one to use.

This is an informative book covering a subject in which we all claim expertise but this book will add considerably to most readers' knowledge.

Molybdenum Disulphide Lubrication is number 35 in the Tribology series published by Elsevier Science BV.