Mass-production of WS$_2$ Solid Lubricant and Its applications

WS$_2$ 고체윤활제의 양산 및 적용

The processing conditions for the mass production of platelet WS$_2$ lubricant powder were optimized. The mixture of tungsten and sulfur powders was sealed in a vacuum of 10$^{-3}$ torr and heat-treated at 850$\circ$C for 2 h. The internal pressure of reaction chamber was maintained at certain level by controlling the release valve automatically. The reaction product was the platelet WS$_2$ powder with an average size of 15 $\mu$m. The synthesized WS$_2$ powder was then coated on the wiper-blade of automobiles and the commercial deep-grooved ball bearing using wet and dry coating methods, respectively. High lubricity and wear resistance of wet coated wiper-blade were confirmed by the life test of 70,000 cycles. The life-time of the ball bearing assembled after WS$_2$ coating onto each part increased 50 times compared to the non-coated ball bearing.