Solid Lubricant Additives

MoS₂ Solid Lubricant Additives — Molybdenum Disulfide Supplier

Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS₂) solid lubricant additives for grease, oil, and coating formulation. Sub-micron powder and pre-dispersed concentrates engineered for EP, AW, and friction-reduction performance.

  • COF 0.05–0.10 under dry sliding conditions
  • 250,000 PSI load-bearing capacity
  • Effective from −180°C to 350°C in air

What Is Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS₂)?

Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS₂, CAS 1317-33-5) is one of the most widely used solid lubricants in industrial applications. Its hexagonal lamellar crystal structure allows atomic planes to slide freely under shear stress, producing low friction and high load-bearing capacity.

In tribological contact, MoS₂ particles form an adherent tribofilm on metal surfaces. This film provides continuous extreme pressure (EP) and anti-wear (AW) protection, even when the primary lubricant film is insufficient.

Powderful Solutions supplies MoS₂ in two engineered forms:

Solidex M010 — Dry Powder

Sub-micron MoS₂ powder, D50 = 0.6 μm, 99%+ purity. For direct blending into NLGI greases, dry film coatings, and polymer composites.

Lubricore M750 — Pre-Dispersed

50% MoS₂ in PAO-6. Surface-modified and stabilized against agglomeration. Ready-to-blend concentrate for gear oils and hydraulic fluids.

MoS₂ Performance Characteristics

Friction Reduction

COF 0.05–0.10 under dry sliding. In EP greases, MoS₂ can reduce boundary-layer friction by 25–50% versus the base grease.

Extreme Pressure

Weld point greater than 250,000 PSI (ASTM D2783). Significant load-wear index improvement at 1–5 wt% treat rates.

Wear Protection

4-Ball wear scar reduction of 35–60% (ASTM D4172) at typical 1–3 wt% treat rates in mineral or synthetic base oils.

Thermal Performance

Effective from −180°C to 350°C in air. In inert or vacuum environments, MoS₂ can remain stable at significantly higher temperatures.

Film Adhesion

Excellent adhesion to steel, titanium, and aluminum surfaces. The tribofilm regenerates continuously under sliding contact from fresh particle supply in the lubricant.

Cost-Performance Ratio

MoS₂ delivers strong EP and AW performance at a lower cost per gram than WS₂, making it a common choice for cost-sensitive industrial applications.

MoS₂ vs. Alternatives

Property MoS₂ WS₂ PTFE Graphite
COF (dry) 0.05–0.10 0.03 0.04–0.10 0.10–0.20
Max temp. in air 350°C 650°C 260°C 450°C
Load capacity 250,000 PSI 300,000+ PSI 30,000 PSI 80,000 PSI
Cost Low Higher Medium Low
PFAS-free
Humidity resistance Limited Excellent Excellent Requires moisture
Efficient value for terrestrial EP applications. For industrial greases, mining equipment, and gear oils operating in controlled environments, MoS₂ delivers proven EP/AW performance with a strong cost-performance profile.

MoS₂ Products from Powderful Solutions

Solidex M010 — MoS₂ Dry Powder
CAS 1317-33-5 | D50 = 0.6 μm | 99%+ purity
Purity: 99%+ D50: 0.6 μm Form: Dry Powder Packs: 1–25 kg

Sub-micron MoS₂ powder for direct blending into NLGI greases, dry film coating formulations, polymer composites, and metalworking compounds.

View full specifications →
Lubricore M750 — MoS₂ in PAO-6
CAS 1317-33-5 | 50% MoS₂ in PAO-6 | Sub-micron, stabilized
Active: 50% MoS₂ Carrier: PAO-6 Particle: Sub-micron Packs: 1–200 L

Pre-dispersed, surface-modified MoS₂ concentrate ready to blend into gear oils, hydraulic fluids, and metalworking fluids. Stabilized against agglomeration and sedimentation.

View full specifications →

MoS₂ Lubricant Additive Applications

Heavy-Duty EP Greases

Industry-standard additive for NLGI 1–3 greases, open gear greases, mining equipment greases, and pin-and-bushing joint greases. Treat rates of 3–8 wt% can support severe-duty EP performance.

Gear Oils

Effective EP additive for worm gear, spiral bevel, and hypoid gear oil formulations. Provides tribofilm protection under high sliding velocity and high contact pressure.

Thread Compounds

Anti-seize and thread compound formulations for fasteners, flanges, and drill-string connections. Helps prevent galling and cold welding under extreme torque.

Metal Forming

Stamping, deep drawing, and forging lubricants where extreme pressure resistance and die-adhesion control are required.

Aerospace Vacuum Applications

Dry film lubricant for spacecraft mechanisms, hinges, and deployment systems operating in vacuum. Can be applied as a bonded coating using Solidex M010.

Dry Film Coatings

Can be sprayed or burnished onto metal surfaces to provide a bonded lubricant film for sliding contacts where liquid lubrication is impractical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MoS₂ used for in lubricant additives?
MoS₂ is one of the most widely used solid lubricants in EP greases, gear oils, thread compounds, and dry film coatings. It functions as an extreme pressure (EP) and anti-wear (AW) additive by forming a tribofilm on metal surfaces.
What is the difference between MoS₂ and WS₂?
MoS₂ provides excellent EP performance at lower cost, but it is limited to approximately 350°C in air and can degrade in humid environments. WS₂ has lower COF, higher temperature stability, and better humidity resistance, although it typically costs more per gram.
What particle size of MoS₂ is best for grease?
For NLGI greases, D50 of 0.5–2.0 μm is usually appropriate. The particle should be smaller than the minimum film thickness at the contact point so it acts as a lubricant rather than an abrasive. Solidex M010, with D50 = 0.6 μm, is optimized for grease applications.
Does MoS₂ cause corrosion?
Unmodified MoS₂ can oxidize in the presence of atmospheric oxygen and moisture to form potentially corrosive molybdenum species. High-purity MoS₂ helps minimize this risk. In wet systems or water-contaminated applications, WS₂ may be the preferred alternative.
What is the correct MoS₂ treat rate for EP grease?
For NLGI 2 multipurpose EP greases, a 1–3 wt% treat rate can measurably improve weld point. For severe-duty industrial or mining applications, 3–8 wt% is common. Open gear compounds may use higher treat rates. Final formulation should be validated through ASTM D2266 and D2783 testing.

Ready to Add MoS₂ to Your Formulation?

Our technical team works directly with lubricant formulators to optimize particle size, concentration, and carrier system for each application.