The co-axial MoS2 nanotubes represent a unique family of nanomaterials and are presented in this study. Growth mechanism is discussed based on atomic probe electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. This report then focuses on the application potentials of these unique nanotubes. The authors observed exfoliation phenomena of these nano-layered materials and found that the exfoliation of MoS2 can lead to the synthesis of many new materials in combination for example, with organic molecules. It was discovered that MoS2 photoluminescence holds promise for new nanophotonic applications, and the new material was also proposed to design a field-effect transistor, which can be applied in new areas of optoelectronics. These inorganic nanotubes were furthermore studied as host materials for electrodes of rechargeable batteries. MoS2 is also known as a solid lubricant which has been used in the industry for the last 60 years. The problem of edge oxidation and preservation of the flakes in a parallel orientation with the surface with a low degree of restacking can be minimized with the reduction of the thickness. So it is desired to obtain the thinnest flakes possible, which can be achieved by exfoliating MoS2 coaxial nanotubes. The beneficial tribological properties of the MoS2 nanotubes in various systems are also presented.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 24823591DLC coatings are low friction and low wear coatings and thus inherently possess some of the green technology properties. In particular, their low wear behavior may represent a potential for different, less harmful and more environmentally adapted lubrication that may become an attractive approach for novel green technologies. In this work, we present few different approaches that are possible for designing DLC interfaces, to achieve effective green boundary lubrication. These may include: 1. chemically-based interactions, 2. physically-based interactions, and 3. a combination of physical-chemical interactions.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 12109851Despite numerous types of nanoparticles having been experimentally analysed as possible lubrication agents and that this idea has also been proven as a promising concept, MoS2 nanotubes have not yet been experimentally analysed in this respect. This study is focused on tribological behaviour of novel MoS2 nanotubes as additive in base synthetic oil. Experimental work was performed in the boundary lubrication regime under constant pressure and sliding velocity on a ball-on-disc tribotester. The results were compared to a reference lubricant and it was found that this type of nanoparticles significantly decrease friction and wear compared to the base lubricant. It was established that a lubricous thin film is an important, although not the only possible mechanism responsible for its beneficial tribological performance.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 11861531Although some studies have shown a good performance of lubricants to which MoS2 and WS2 nanoparticles were added, an understanding of the behaviour of the nanoparticles at different, even very common contact conditions, such assurface roughness, is still missing. We have thus performed a comparison of the lubrication behaviour of MoS2 nanotubes mixed with PAO oil using steel surfaces with different roughnesses. We have studied the performance of the MoS2-nanotubes-assisted lubrication of steel/steel contacts in all lubrication regimes and also considered the effect of the running-in. We compared the results with those of the pure base oil and showed that depending on the different contact conditions used the friction with the nanotubes-containing oil was 40-65 % lower compared to using the base oil alone. Furthermore, we showed that when the MoS2 nanotubes were added to the oil the friction was the same for the rough and the smooth steel surfaces This means that, irrespective of the surface roughness or the running-in, the nanotubes completely govern the lubrication behaviour of the self-mated steel contacts in the studied range of contact conditions of the boundary- and mixed-lubrication regimes.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 26299943Dr. Kalin was elected a Fellow of the STLE international tribologists association (2012) for his outstanding personal achievements and long term contribution in the field of tribology and lubrication engineering. A Fellow member of the STLE is recognized for the outstanding personal achievements in the field of education, management, research or technological development in the field of tribology and lubrication engineering. Each year, the STLE only elects 4-5 Fellow members worldwide. Since 1973 about 150 Fellow members received this award within the STLE, which is the only world tribology association with about 5000 members. Dr. Kalin is the youngest ever recipient of this award. Although this award does not reflect only the work in the presented project, the constant engagement and innovation – also in the field of nanotechnology, green lubrication, which is covered by this project – contributed significantly to the decision to grant Dr. Kalin this recognition.
E.02 International awards