Growth of MoS2 Nanotubes Templated by Halloysite Nanotubes for the Reduction of Friction in Oil

One-dimensional MoS2 nanotubes with the specific surface area of 89.34 m(2)/g and the average pore size of 2.52 nm were successfully synthesized by the thermolytical approach assisted by halloysite nanotubes. The tribological properties of MoS2 nanotubes with good dispersion in oil were tested with a four-ball wear tester. The tribological testing results indicated that the average friction coefficient and the average wear scar diameter of the 0.08 wt % MoS2-based oil at 25 degrees C decreased about 39.2 and 35.0%, respectively, compared to those of the 150 SN base oil, indicating that the as-prepared MoS2 nanotubes as a lubricating additive can enhance the tribological performances. Finally, the lubrication mechanism of MoS2 nanotubes was put forward.