Fabrication and characterization of composite MoS 2 -TiO 2 coating material

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) is a popularly used solid lubricant in various applications due to its superior tribological behaviour. However, it possesses poor wear resistance which requires further improvement. In the present study efforts have been made to enhance the tribological properties of pure MoS₂ coating film by doping TiO₂ nanoparticles as a reinforcement material. The Manganese phosphating is selected as a pre-treatment method to improve the bond strength between coating and substrate. The coating is bonded with the substrate material employing sodium silicate as a binder. The effects of wt. % of TiO₂ onto the mechanical properties of composite MoS₂-TiO₂ coating such as hardness and bond strength have been studied. In addition coating microstructure before and after experimental test was studied using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. It was also found that with increase in wt. % addition of TiO₂ upto 15% into MoS₂ base matrix, the hardness of coating increases proportionally. Beyond 15 wt. % addition of TiO₂, the coating becomes brittle in nature. This leads to reduction in the scratch resistance.