In situ tribochemical sulfurization of polyisobutylene-based molybdenum species for enhanced tribo-performance

Abstract Herein, a zero-phosphorus and sulfur polymer-derived molybdenum-based compound (PIB Mo) was synthesized and corresponding researches on synergistic or antagonistic effects between the PIB-Mo and sulfur-containing species as well as arylamine derivatives are reported. The in situ sulfurization of PIB-Mo leads to the tribochemical formation of MoS 2 tribo-film as verified using EDS, Raman spectra and XPS, which is continuously formed and oxidized acting as a sacrificial layer, thus contributing an excellent friction and wear performance. Other antagonistic and synergistic effects are observed. The anti-oxidation property of ZDDP is weaken in the presence of PIB-Mo with the increase contents, however, a significantly synergistic effect of PIB-Mo and arylamine derivatives obtained, which dominate the anti-oxidation property and boost the anti-oxidation property in formation application.