Synergistic Effect of MoS2 and SiO2 Nanoparticles as Lubricant Additives for Magnesium Alloy–Steel Contacts

The tribological performances of the SiO₂/MoS₂ hybrids as lubricant additives were explored by a reciprocating ball-on-flat tribometer for AZ31 magnesium alloy/AISI 52100 bearing steel pairs. The results demonstrated that the introduction of SiO₂/MoS₂ hybrids into the base oil exhibited a significant reduction in the friction coefficient and wear volume as well as an increase in load bearing capacity, which was better than the testing results of the SiO₂ or MoS₂ nanolubricants. Specifically, the addition of 0.1 wt % nano-SiO₂ mixed with 1.0 wt % nano-MoS₂ into the base oil reduced the friction coefficient by 21.8% and the wear volume by 8.6% compared to the 1.0 wt % MoS₂ nanolubricants. The excellent lubrication behaviors of the SiO₂/MoS₂ hybrid nanolubricants can be explained by the micro-cooperation of different nanoparticles with disparate morphology and lubrication mechanisms.