Microstructure and tribological characterization of magnetron sputtered MoS2 film deposited using nested structure material

The MoS2 films were deposited on aluminum alloy substrate by magnetron sputtering the nested structure MoS2 synthesized by spray-drying method. The morphology and microstructure of the film were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscope and transmission electron microscope. The film deposited using nested MoS2 had shorter and more disorderly lamellar structure. The tribological properties of the MoS2 films were investigated using a ball-on-disk tribometer in vacuum and in humid air. The MoS2 film deposited with nested material showed lower friction coefficient and higher wear resistance compared with the layered structure (2H) MoS2 film in different environments. The superior tribological performance of film with nested material is due to its unique structure, which is in favor of both inhibition of reaction with oxygen and formation of immediate lubricant.