Mechanical properties[edit]

MoS2 excels as a lubricating material (see below) due to its layered structure and
low coefficient of friction. Interlayer sliding dissipates energy when a shear stress is applied
to the material. Extensive work has been performed to characterize the coefficient of friction
and shear strength of MoS2 in various atmospheres.[20] The shear strength of
MoS2 increases as the coefficient of friction increases. This property is called superlubricity.
At ambient conditions, the coefficient of friction for MoS2 was determined to be 0.150, with a
corresponding estimated shear strength of 56.0 MPa.[20] Direct methods of measuring the
shear strength indicate that the value is closer to 25.3 MPa.[21]
The wear resistance of MoS2 in lubricating applications can be increased by doping
MoS2 with chromium. Microindentation experiments on nanopillars of Cr-doped MoS2 found
that the yield strength increased from an average of 821 MPa for pure MoS2 (0 at. % Cr) to
1017 MPa for 50 at. % Cr.[22] The increase in yield strength is accompanied by a change in
the failure mode of the material. While the pure MoS2 nanopillar fails through a plastic
bending mechanism, brittle fracture modes become apparent as the material is loaded with
increasing amounts of dopant.[22]
The widely used method of micromechanical exfoliation has been careful studied in MoS2 to
understand the mechanism of delamination in few-layer to multi-layer flakes. The exact
mechanism of cleavage was found to be layer dependent. Flakes thinner than 5 layers
undergo homogenous bending and rippling, while flakes around 10 layers thick delaminated
through interlayer sliding. Flakes with more than 20 layers exhibited a kinking mechanism
during micromechanical cleavage. The cleavage of these flakes was also determined to be
reversible due to the nature of van der Waals bonding.[23]
In recent years, MoS2 has been utilized in flexible electronic applications, promoting more
investigation into the elastic properties of this material. Nanoscopic bending tests
using AFM cantilever tips were performed on micromechanically exfoliated MoS2 flakes that
were deposited on a holey substrate.[16][24] The yield strength of monolayer flakes was 270
GPa,[24] while the thicker flakes were also stiffer, with a yield strength of 330
GPa.[16] Molecular dynamic simulations found the in-plane yield strength of MoS2 to be 229
GPa, which matches the experimental results within error.[25]
Bertolazzi and coworkers also characterized the failure modes of the suspended monolayer
flakes. The strain at failure ranges from 6 to 11%. The average yield strength of monolayer
MoS2 is 23 GPa, which is close to the theoretical fracture strength for defect-free MoS2.[24]
The band structure of MoS2 is sensitive to strain.[26][27][28]

Chemical reactions[edit]
Molybdenum disulfide is stable in air and attacked only by aggressive reagents. It reacts
with oxygen upon heating forming molybdenum trioxide:
2 MoS
2 + 7 O

2 → 2 MoO

3 + 4 SO
2
Chlorine attacks molybdenum disulfide at elevated temperatures to form molybdenum
pentachloride:
2 MoS
2 + 7 Cl

2 → 2 MoCl

5 + 2 S

2Cl
2

Intercalation reactions[edit]
Molybdenum disulfide is a host for formation of intercalation compounds. This
behavior is relevant to its use as a cathode material in batteries.[29][30] One example is
a lithiated material, Li
xMoS
[31]
2. With butyl lithium, the product is LiMoS
[6]
2.

Applications[edit]
Lubricant[edit]

A tube of commercial graphite powder lubricant with molybdenum disulfide additive

(called "molybdenum")[32]

Due to weak van der Waals interactions between the sheets of sulfide atoms, MoS
2 has a low coefficient of friction. MoS
[33]
2 in particle sizes in the range of 1–100 µm is a common dry lubricant. Few
alternatives exist that confer high lubricity and stability at up to 350 °C in oxidizing
environments. Sliding friction tests of MoS
2 using a pin on disc tester at low loads (0.1–2 N) give friction coefficient values of
<0.1.[34][35]
MoS
2 is often a component of blends and composites that require low friction. For
example, it is added to graphite to improve sticking.[32] A variety
of oils and greases are used, because they retain their lubricity even in cases of
almost complete oil loss, thus finding a use in critical applications such as aircraft
engines. When added to plastics, MoS
2 forms a composite with improved strength as well as reduced friction. Polymers
filled with MoS
2 include nylon (trade name Nylatron), Teflon and Vespel. Self-lubricating composite
coatings for high-temperature applications consist of molybdenum disulfide
and titanium nitride, using chemical vapor deposition.
Examples of applications of MoS
2-based lubricants include two-stroke engines (such as motorcycle engines),
bicycle coaster brakes, automotive CV and universal joints, ski
waxes[36] and bullets.[37]
Other layered inorganic materials exhibit lubricating properties (collectively known
as solid lubricants (or dry lubricants)) include graphite, which requires volatile
additives and hexagonal boron nitride.[38]
MoS2-fortification