A comparison of the lubricating mechanisms of graphite fluoride and molybdenum disulfide films
A microscopic study of 440 C steel sliding surfaces lubricated by graphite fluoride or molybdenum disulfide solid lubricant rubbed films was conducted. The sliding surfaces, along with the friction, wear, and wear life were observed as a function of the number of sliding revolutions in three different atmospheres: moist air (10,000 ppm H2O), dry air (less than 20 ppm H2O), or dry argon (less than 20 ppm H2O). In general, the lubricating mechanisms of the two solid lubricants were found to be relatively similar; that is, a dynamic, thin, layer-like film (which sheared on relative motion) was formed between the two metallic surfaces. The mechanisms of failure were found to be somewhat different, however. Failure of MoS2 films was very dependent on atmospheric degradation, while that of graphite fluoride films was more dependent on flow of the lubricant film out of the contact zone