Dispersion behavior assessment of the molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials dispersed into poly alpha olefin

The objective of this research is to investigate the dispersion stability of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanomaterials into poly alpha olefin (PAO6) and provide a steadiness theory for the MoS2 nanolubricant. Moreover, this study confirmed the effect of different dispersants (oleic acid and Span 80), concentrations, ultrasonic duration, MoS2 morphology (spheres and sheets) on dispersibility mechanism and further systematically and comprehensively explained the dispersion status of MoS2 in PAO6 solution at a microscopic level. The crystalline phases structure of the MoS2 nano-powders are characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD). The UV − visible (UVvis) spectroscopy, sedimentation test, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential method were used to evaluate the dispersion stability of MoS2 nanolubricant samples. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results reveal that the MoS2 nanomaterials were modified by oleic acid (OA)and Span 80 successfully. Eventually, the results showed that MoS2 nanolubricant was somewhat stable over a period of 7 days at room temperature. •Two-step process was utilized to fabricate nanofluids and oleic acid was selected to be the dispersant.•Chemical bond of nanoparticles and dispersants were measured by FTIR.•UV-vis spectra, DLS, zeta potential and sedimentation test were employed to evaluate the dispersion stability of nanofluids