Synthesis and Characterization of Molybdenum Disulfide Composite Coating on Steel Using Chemical Vapor Deposition

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is one of the most widely used solid lubricants applied in different ways on the surfaces under friction. In this work, AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel was coated with MoS2, using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at four different temperatures (400, 500, 600 and 700°C). Coatings properties were investigated using SEM, EDX, XRD and FTIR, Hardness Tester and Roughness tester. The results showed that with simultaneous evaporation of sulfur and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) in the CVD chamber, a uniform coating layer containing MoS2 and MoO2 phases was formed. Increase in the substrate temperature resulted in the rise in the amount of MoS2 to MoO2 phases. The thickness, grain size and the hardness of the coating were 17-29 μm, 50-120 nm and 260-480 HV respectively. Friction tests carried out using pin-on-plate method under normal loads of 10 N under ambient conditions showed values of the friction coefficient 0.25-0.40.