Synthesis and tribological properties of hexagonal NbSe2 nanoplates

Abstract

Hexagonal NbSe2 nanoplates have been successfully prepared via solid-state reaction by a ball-milled mixture of Nb and Se powders. The as-prepared products are characterised by an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the NbSe2 nanoplates have a hexagonal structure and the sizes of nanoplates are about 1 μm in diameter and 100-300 nm in thickness. The tribological properties of hexagonal NbSe2 nanoplates as a lubrication additive in paraffin base oil were investigated by a UMT-2 ball-on-plate friction and wear tester. The wear scars were measured by a VEECO WYKO NT1100 non-contact optical profile testing instrument. The study shows that under determinate conditions, the friction coefficient of the base oil containing NbSe2 nanoplates is lower than that of pure base oil, and it decreases with the increase of mass percent of NbSe2 powders when its proportion is lower than 2 wt%. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2013.