Tungsten Disulfide (WS2)

Tungsten Disulfide (WS2): A Superior Dry Lubricant

Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) is one of the most advanced and effective dry/solid lubricants available today. Known for its ultra-low friction properties, WS2 offers a coefficient of friction as low as 0.03 (dynamic) and 0.07 (static)—lower than that of Graphite or Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2). This makes it one of the most lubricious substances in the world.

Exceptional Performance Under Extreme Conditions

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WS2 performs exceptionally well in extreme environments, making it a go-to choice for high-demand applications:

WS2 vs MoS2 : A Step Above

Although both WS2 and MoS2 are transition metal dichalcogenides, WS₂ offers several advantages:

Because of these qualities, WS2 can be used as a more advanced alternative to MoS2 in many critical applications.

Versatile Applications Across Industries

The unique combination of low friction, high temperature tolerance, and extreme pressure resistance makes WS2 suitable for a wide range of uses, including:

Innovative Potential

Thanks to its unmatched dry lubricity, WS2 opens up possibilities for experimentation and innovation across industries. Whether it’s applied to mechanical parts, high-performance coatings, or cutting-edge devices, its versatility and reliability make it an excellent solution for almost any lubrication challenge.

WS2 continues to attract interest in advanced fields like nanoelectronics, coatings, and energy storage, thanks to its unique combination of mechanical strength, chemical stability, and tribological performance.

(USES) / Applications of Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) Powder

Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) powder is a high-performance dry lubricant used across a wide range of industries. It can be applied either as an additive to oils and greases or as a standalone dry coating, offering exceptional friction reduction, thermal stability, and wear resistance.

WS2 powder can be applied directly to surfaces that require long-lasting, dry lubrication—without the need for binders or complex processing.

  1. Application Methods:
    • Pneumatic Spraying : The powder can be sprayed at ~120 psi using dry, cool compressed air at room temperature. This forms a uniform, ultra-thin lubricating film approximately 0.5 microns thick.
    • Buffing Method: Alternatively, WS₂ can be mixed with isopropyl alcohol to create a paste, which can be buffed onto the surface for effective coating.
  2. Benefits:
    • No heat treatment or curing required
    • Strong adhesion without binders
    • Reduces wear, friction, and operating temperatures
    • Suitable for high-load, high-temperature environments
  3. Typical Applications:
    • Automotive and Racing – gears, engine components, pistons, and chains
    • Aerospace – moving parts, bearings, and precision assemblies
    • Industrial Machinery – shafts, rollers, cutting tools, blades, and slitting knives
    • Mold Release and Tooling – injection molds, dies, and machining tools
    • Marine Components – corrosion-prone and load-bearing parts
    • Bearings – linear, ball, and roller bearings

WS2 powder can also be used as a performance-enhancing additive in wet lubricants:

  1. Recommended Concentration:
    Typically added in the range of 1% to 15% by weight, depending on the specific application needs.
  2. Functional Benefits:
    • Significantly improves the lubricating properties of oils and greases
    • Enhances performance under extreme pressure (EP) conditions
    • Boosts thermal resistance, making lubricants suitable for high-temperature operations
    • As the lubricant flows, WS₂ particles adhere to metal surfaces, creating a low-friction protective layer that extends equipment life.

Due to its unique structure and properties, WS2 powder is also gaining interest in high-tech and research fields.

  • Examples:
    • Nanotechnology and 2D Materials – as a semiconductor in nanoelectronics
    • Battery Technologies – as an anode material in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries
    • Catalysis – used in hydrogen evolution reactions (HER)
    • Coatings and Composites – for improving wear resistance and durability

Industries Benefiting from WS2 Powder

Conclusion

Whether used as a dry film coating or an additive to conventional lubricants, WS2 powder delivers outstanding tribological performance. Its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and loads makes it an ideal solution for critical applications across automotive, aerospace, marine, and industrial sectors.

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