Synthesis and tribological properties of WSe 2 nanorods

Abstract

The WSe 2 nanorods were synthesized via solid-state reaction method and characterized by X-ray diffractometer, TEM, and HRTEM. The results indicated the WSe 2 compounds had rod-like structures with diameters of 10-50 nm and lengths of 100-400 nm, and the growth process of WSe 2 nanorods was discussed on the basis of the experimental facts. The tribological properties of WSe 2 nanorods as additives in HVI500 base oil were investigated by UMT-2 multispecimen tribotester. Under the determinate conditions, the friction coefficient of the base oil containing WSe 2 nanorods was lower than that of the base oil, and decreased with increasing mass fraction of WSe 2 nanorods when it was <7 wt.%. Moreover, the base oil with the additives was rather suited to high load and high rotating speed. A combination of rolling friction, sliding friction, and stable tribofilm on the rubbing surface could explain the good friction and wear properties of WSe 2 nanorods as additives.