Tribological properties and bearing application of Mo-based films in space environment. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shi, Jiadong; Ma, Guozheng; Han, Cuihong; Li, Guolu; Liu, Yunfan; Liu, Qian
• Is Part Of: Vacuum. Volume 188(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Mo-based films -- Space environment -- Tribology -- Bearing; Vacuum -- Periodicals; 621.55
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2021.110217
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-207X

Abstract

Abstract: MoS2 film plays an important role in the field of space lubrication due to its excellent tribological properties, but the complex and changeable space environment has increasingly higher requirements for the lubricating layer. In order to improve the spatial tribological properties of the MoS2 film, the Mo-X (X = Pb, PTFE, C) binary composite films were prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technology. Then, Mo/MoS2 –Pb–PbS, Mo/MoS2 -PTFE and Mo/MoS2 –C films were obtained through the treatment of binary films by "low-temperature ion sulfurizing" technology. The structure, morphology and composition properties of the three films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).The tribological properties of the three films were tested through ultraviolet (UV), atomic oxygen (AO) and high-vacuum simulated space environment, and the results showed that the Mo/MoS2 –Pb–PbS film has better comprehensive spatial tribological properties. The Mo/MoS2 –Pb–PbS film was applied to practical bearings, which were simulated for life test after exposure to space environment. The wear life of the new bearing is an order of magnitude higher than that of the active bearing. Therefore, Mo/MoS2 –Pb–PbS film has broad application prospects in the field of space solid lubrication. Highlights: Three kinds of multi element Mo-based films were prepared by a simple method. Mo/MoS2 –Pb–PbS film have good comprehensive tribological properties in space environment. The solid lubricated bearing using Mo/MoS2 –Pb–PbS film is better than some bearings in service.