Tribological properties of biocompatible molybdenum selenide nanoparticles as water lubrication additives for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene/304 stainless steel contact

A hydrothermal method was adopted to synthesize molybdenum selenide (MoSe2) nanoparticles, which exhibited excellent dispersibility and biocompatibility in water. The morphology and structures of the MoSe2 nanoparticles were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and were found to be flower-like. Furthermore, ball-on-disk tribological experiments were conducted using a UMT-2 tribometer to evaluate the lubrication effects of MoSe2 nanoparticles as an additive for water. The results indicated that the addition of MoSe2 nanoparticles in water could decrease the friction coefficient by 55.4 %, and the wear rate also decreased by 65.8 %. The good anti-friction and anti-wear properties of MoSe2 nanoparticles were ascribed to the layered structure that easily slipped and the filling and patching effect on the disk surface caused by these nanoparticles. MoSe2 water lubricants are expected to be used in real-life applications.

Automated summary

MoSe2 nanoparticles synthesized using a hydrothermal method exhibit excellent dispersibility and biocompatibility in water, reducing friction coefficient and wear rate. The layered structure and filling and patching effect make them suitable for practical lubrication applications.