Synthesis of Molybdenum disulfide solid lubricant coating on steel using Thermal-diffusion method

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is one of the most solid lubricants applied on surfaces under friction condition in different ways. In this study, MoS2 coatings was applied on 316 stainless steel using thermal diffusion method at various temperatures and times. Coatings properties were investigated using SEM, EDX, XRD and FTIR, Hardness Tester and Roughness tester. The results indicated formation of a uniform layer on the surface that contains MoS2 and MoO3-X phases. Coatings have thickness of 20-50 µm and grain size of 400-1000 nm and hardness of 350- 550 HV. Also in this study, the kinetics of diffusion layer between substrate and coating has been investigated. the kinetics of diffusion layer between substrate and coating has been investigated. It was found that thickness of diffusion layer changes with time at constant temperature follow from parabolic equation.The thickness of diffusion layer changes with time at at constant temperature follow from parabolic equation.