What Does
Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Mean?
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is an inorganic metallic compound composed of molybdenum and sulfur. It occurs naturally as the mineral molybdenite, which is the principal ore of molybdenum. This compound is silvery black in appearance and is relatively unreactive with other chemical elements. In terms of appearance and texture, molybdenum disulfide is similar to graphite.
Corrosionpedia Explains Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2)
Like graphite, molybdenum disulfide is renowned for its low coefficient of friction, durability and robustness. This low friction is due primarily to the presence of weak Van der Waals interactions between the sheets of sulfide atoms. This characteristic makes molybdenum disulfide a widely used material in dry lubricants.
Some of the most common applications of molybdenum disulfide include:
- Dry lubrication during cold forming and metal extracting processes
- Maintenance lubricant in applications where oils and greases are not feasible
- Friction reducing additive for liquid lubricants such as oils and greases