Tribological properties of MoS2 nanosheets solid lubricant planted on TiO2 nanotube array bed

Abstract Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) is one of the most important solid lubricants used in titanium (Ti) to reduce the friction coefficient. The adherent capability between MoS 2 and Ti determines its application. A layer of titanium dioxide nanotube (TNT) array film had been prepared to strengthen the binding force between the solid lubricant and Ti substrate. The existence of the TNT increases the strength of the basement and provide a solid support for MoS 2 nanosheets. The tribology test reveals that the new structure of Ti/TNT/MoS 2 exhibits extremely stable performance. Dramatic improvement in combining capability (471 × ) at low friction coefficient (0.11) was realized compared with Ti/MoS 2 structure, suggesting the promising application in friction and wear field, for example, Ti fasteners used in aerospace.