Molybdenum disulfide with the chemical formula MoS₂ is a molybdenum and sulfur inorganic metallic compound. It is found in nature in the form of mineral molybdenite, which is also the most common molybdenum ore.

This substance has a silvery black color and is comparatively unreactive to other chemicals. Molybdenum disulfide has a similar look and texture to graphite.

Molybdenum disulfidehas excellent chemical and thermal stability in general. They have the ability to generate a highly effective dry lubricating film. Low-friction molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles have outstanding catalytic activity and great physical characteristics.

In comparison to bulk material, they have a very large active area of surface, high reactivity, and improved adsorption capacity.

The molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles are black solid particles. Molybdenum disulfide, like graphite, is known for its lower coefficient of friction, toughness, and durability.

The presence of weaker Van der Waals contacts between the sulfide atoms accounts sheets for the low friction. Because of this property, molybdenum disulfide is commonly utilized in dry lubricants.

The following are a few of the common uses for molybdenum disulfide:

• During cold forming and also metal extraction procedures, dry lubrication is used.
• When oils and greases aren't an option, use this maintenance lubricant.
• Friction-reducing additive for oils and greases in liquid form.

Manufacturing process

At high temperatures, molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles can be made as mono and polycrystalline materials, utilizing various electrochemical methods.

A chemical solution reaction pathway between the organometallic precursor and sulfur in p-xylene at 140°C can be used in the low-temperature technique. The produced MoS2 nanoparticles have a diameter of 10–30 nm and are predominantly amorphous with a round form.

Applications

The important applications of these molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles can be as follows:

• In lubricant applications
• In composite applications
• As a certain conductive filler
• As a catalyst meant for coal liquefaction
• In a few difficult types of equipment to maintain, like satellites, space vehicles, and military fields
• Can be used for preparing special materials, gas storage catalytic materials, and.

The beginning ingredient for the manufacture of rubbery or resinous synthetic organic molecules known as Thiokols has been sodium polysulfide, with an ‘n’ value of roughly 4. Long chains of polysulfide groups alternate with tiny organic groups capable of making two covalent bonds that make up the molecules of these goods.

They may be turned into tough, robust materials by heating with zinc oxide and used to manufacture hoses and linings for storage tanks and other applications needing chemical and physical resistance; they have also been utilized as solid rocket fuel.

Thiokols can also be made into aqueous dispersions that can be used to build protective coatings on surfaces like wood, metal, or concrete, or to make caulking formulations..

Despite its benefits, this disulfide is brittle and combustible, it also gets softened in boiling water and yellows when exposed to sunlight for lengthy periods of time without the inclusion of chemical stabilizers.

More than 50% of all polystyrene manufactured is blended with 5 to 10% butadiene rubber to minimize brittleness and improve any impact strength. High-impact polystyrene is the brand name for this blend, which is appropriate for toys or any appliance parts.