Tungsten Disulfide (WS₂) solid lubricant additives for grease, oil, and coating formulation. Sub-micron dispersion. Engineered for EP, AW, and AF performance.
Tungsten Disulfide (WS₂, CAS 12138-09-9) is an inorganic compound with a hexagonal lamellar crystal structure where tungsten atoms are sandwiched between two sulfur layers. Van der Waals forces between planes allow individual layers to slide with minimal resistance — producing a dry COF of 0.03 under sliding contact.
Under tribological stress, WS₂ particles deposit on metal surfaces to form a coherent tribofilm that provides sustained EP and AW protection even when the bulk lubricant film is displaced. The tribofilm remains stable across a wide temperature range, making WS₂ effective where conventional additives fail.
Powderful Solutions supplies WS₂ in two engineered forms:
Ultra-pure WS₂ powder, D50 = 0.4 μm, 99.9% purity. Direct blending into grease, coatings, and polymer composites.
50% WS₂ in PAO-6. Surface-modified, sub-micron, stabilized. Drop-in additive for gear oils and engine oils.
COF as low as 0.03 under dry sliding. In lubricated systems, reduces boundary friction by 30–60% vs. base lubricant alone.
4-Ball wear scar reduced 40–65% at equivalent treat rates vs. unfilled base oils (ASTM D4172).
Weld point >300,000 PSI. Consistent EP performance at 1–3 wt% in grease (ASTM D2783).
Stable from −270°C to 650°C in air; up to 1,100°C in vacuum. No decomposition at normal industrial temperatures.
Superior to MoS₂ in humid environments. Does not oxidize to corrosive species under atmospheric conditions.
Maintains lubrication in vacuum — critical for aerospace mechanisms, satellite components, and vacuum process equipment.
| Property | WS₂ | MoS₂ | PTFE | Graphite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COF (dry) | 0.03 | 0.05–0.10 | 0.04–0.10 | 0.10–0.20 |
| Max Temp (air) | 650°C | 350°C | 260°C | 450°C |
| Load (PSI) | 300,000+ | 250,000 | 30,000 | 80,000 |
| PFAS-Free | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Humidity | Excellent | Poor | Excellent | Requires moisture |
Ultra-pure sub-micron WS₂ powder for direct blending into grease bases, dry film coatings, polymer composites, and tribological coatings.
View full specifications →Pre-dispersed, surface-modified WS₂ concentrate. Ready to blend into engine oils, gear oils, hydraulic fluids. Eliminates agglomeration and filter-clogging.
View full specifications →1–5 wt% in NLGI 2–3 greases increases weld point and reduces wear in heavily loaded bearings, cam followers, and joint assemblies.
Forms tribofilm on cylinder walls and camshaft lobes. Reduces boundary friction during cold starts when hydrodynamic lubrication is incomplete.
Critical for hypoid and spiral bevel gears. WS₂ tribofilm survives extreme flash temperatures that deplete conventional EP additive packages.
Pin-and-bushing joints, sheave bearings, and crusher bearings benefit from WS₂ hardness and EP performance under abrasive, high-load conditions.
Articulation pins, bucket pivots, and tillage equipment run under oscillating high loads where WS₂ dispersions reduce fretting wear.
Maintains lubrication in vacuum — required for spacecraft mechanisms and satellite deployment systems where MoS₂ and graphite require atmospheric oxygen.
Our technical team works directly with lubricant formulators to optimize particle size, concentration, and carrier system for your application.
