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. B2B supply from Powderful Solutions.

Material Science

What Is Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS₂)?

Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS₂, CAS 1317-33-5) is the most widely used solid lubricant in industrial applications. Its hexagonal lamellar crystal structure allows atomic planes to slide freely under shear stress, producing low friction with high load-bearing capacity. MoS₂ has been the industry standard for EP grease additives, aerospace lubricants, and metal-forming compounds for over 60 years.

In tribological contact, MoS₂ particles form an adherent tribofilm on metal surfaces. This film provides continuous EP and AW protection independent of the bulk lubricant — a critical advantage in shock-load, slow-speed, or high-contact-pressure applications where hydrodynamic lubrication films are absent.

Powderful Solutions supplies MoS₂ in two engineered forms:

Solidex M006 — 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 M850 — Pre-Dispersed

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

Performance

MoS₂ Performance Characteristics

Friction Reduction

COF 0.05–0.10 under dry sliding. In EP grease, reduces boundary layer friction by 25–50% vs. base grease at equivalent treat rates.

Extreme Pressure

Weld point >250,000 PSI (ASTM D2783). Significant LWI improvement at 1–5 wt% treat rate. Industry-standard EP additive for mining and industrial greases.

Wear Protection

4-Ball wear scar reduced 35–60% (ASTM D4172) at typical 1–3 wt% treat rate in mineral or synthetic base oil.

Thermal Performance

Effective from −180°C to 350°C in air. In inert or vacuum environments, stable to 1,200°C. Primary aerospace dry film lubricant for satellite mechanisms.

Film Adhesion

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

Low Cost-Performance Ratio

MoS₂ delivers outstanding EP and AW performance at a lower cost per gram than WS₂ — the standard choice for cost-sensitive terrestrial applications.

Competitive Analysis

MoS₂ vs. Alternatives

PropertyMoS₂WS₂PTFEGraphite
COF (dry)0.05–0.100.030.04–0.100.10–0.20
Max Temp (air)350°C650°C260°C450°C
Load (PSI)250,000300,000+30,00080,000
CostLowHigherMediumLow
PFAS-Free
HumidityLimitedExcellentExcellentRequires moisture
Best value for terrestrial EP applications. For industrial greases, mining equipment, and gear oils operating in controlled environments, MoS₂ delivers proven EP/AW performance at the lowest cost among solid lubricant additives.
Products

MoS₂ Products from Powderful Solutions

Solidex M006 — MoS₂ Dry Powder
CAS 1317-33-5 | D50 = 0.6 μm | 99%+ purity
Purity: 99%+D50: 0.6 μmForm: Dry PowderPacks: 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 M850 — MoS₂ in PAO-6
CAS 1317-33-5 | 50% MoS₂ in PAO-6 | Sub-micron, stabilized
Active: 50% MoS₂Carrier: PAO-6Particle: Sub-micronPacks: 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 →
Applications

MoS₂ Lubricant Additive Applications

Heavy-Duty EP Greases

Industry standard for NLGI 1–3 open gear greases, mining equipment greases, and pin-and-bushing joint greases. 3–8 wt% delivers maximum EP performance.

Gear Oils

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

Thread Compounds

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

Metal Forming

Stamping, deep drawing, and forging lubricants where extreme pressure and die adhesion resistance are required. Compatible with most water-based and oil-based forming systems.

Aerospace (Vacuum)

Dry film lubricant for spacecraft mechanisms, hinges, and deployment systems operating in vacuum. Applied as a bonded coating using Solidex M006 in solvent-based systems.

Dry Film Coatings

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

Technical FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MoS₂ used for in lubricant additives?
MoS₂ is the most widely used solid lubricant additive for 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 that provides lubrication independent of the bulk lubricant film.
What is the difference between MoS₂ and WS₂?
MoS₂ provides excellent EP performance at lower cost but is limited to 350°C in air and degrades in humid environments. WS₂ has a lower COF (0.03 vs. 0.05–0.10), higher temperature stability (650°C), and better humidity resistance, but costs more per gram. For cost-sensitive terrestrial applications, MoS₂ is the standard choice; for high-temperature or humid environments, WS₂ is preferred.
What particle size of MoS₂ is best for grease?
For NLGI greases, D50 of 0.5–2.0 μm is appropriate. The particle must be smaller than the minimum film thickness at the point of contact to function as a lubricant rather than an abrasive. Solidex M006 at D50 = 0.6 μm is optimized for grease applications.
Does MoS₂ cause corrosion?
Unmodified MoS₂ oxidizes in the presence of atmospheric oxygen and moisture to form molybdic acid (MoO₃), which is mildly corrosive to ferrous metals. High-quality, high-purity MoS₂ (99%+) minimizes oxide content. In humid environments or water-contaminated systems, WS₂ is the preferred alternative.
What is the correct MoS₂ treat rate for EP grease?
For NLGI 2 multipurpose EP greases, 1–3 wt% provides measurable weld point improvement. For severe-duty mining and industrial greases, 3–8 wt% is typical. Open gear compounds may use up to 15 wt%. Final optimization should be confirmed by ASTM D2266 and D2783 testing.

Ready to Add This to Your Formulation?

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

Related:  Products  ·  Technology  ·  About  ·  Contact