Synthesis and application of inorganic nanoparticles as lubricant components - a review

Recent achievements in chemistry and technology of nanosized inorganic particles provide possibility of synthesis in various metal oxides, chalcogenides, and so on. Surface modi. cation of nanoparticles in some cases provides formation of their stable dispersions in liquid hydrocarbons. State of art in the field of inorganic nanoparticles' synthesis and their application in tribology is discussed. Special attention is paid to synthesis of surface-capped and bare molybdenum sulfide nanoparticles and to testing thereof as friction-modifying additives for liquid lubricants. Differences in action mechanism of MoSx nanoparticles and 'molecular' molybdenum complexes are discussed. Future trends of inorganic nanoparticles use as lubricant additives are suggested.