Effect of Laser Energy on the Tribology Properties of MoS2 Flakes

The present study reports the novel synthesis of few-layered MoS2 flakes for hydraulic applications. The few-layered MoS2 flakes were prepared by using hydrothermal method and laser irradiation assistant at different energy levels from 40 to 80 mJ. XRD patterns indicated a hexagonal structure for the samples. The crystallite sizes experienced a decrease from 50 to 15 nm by increasing laser energies. Raman spectra revealed a slight red-shift and blue-shift by increasing laser energies. The Zeta potential values increased by enhancement of laser energy that maximum value achieved for 80 mJ laser energy. The viscosity index of the samples increased when increasing the laser energy, decreasing the viscosity variations with the temperature varies. The laser irradiation can improve the limits of temperature of the fluid containing a few-layered MoS2 flakes making them suitable for industrial applications. The friction coefficient were reduced for the base oil containing few-layered MoS2 flakes additive irradiated under 80 mJ laser energy. The results suggest that laser irradiation can improve the hydraulic properties when including a few-layered MoS2 flakes. Few-layered MoS2 may be a promising candidate for applications as oil additives.