Evaluation of a Commercial MoS2 Dry Film Lubricant for Space Applications

Molybdenum disulfide coatings, particularly Microseal 200-1, have been extensively used as dry film lubricants for actuating mechanisms in space applications. Although Microseal 200-1 has historically been a popular choice for space missions, recent assessments indicate a need for reexamination. This study evaluates sliding friction in air and dry gaseous nitrogen atmospheres at ambient temperatures with both linear reciprocating and rotary unidirectional tribo-tests. Measurements are performed for Microseal 200-1 applied on substrates and surface treatments commonly used in aerospace components, particularly stainless steel and a titanium alloy. Our findings indicate that the friction of stainless steel balls sliding on Microseal 200-1-coated disks is significantly influenced by the environment as well as the disk substrate material. The average friction coefficient ranges from 0.12 to 0.48 in air and from 0.04 to 0.41 in dry gaseous nitrogen, and the amount of friction is consistently much higher for the Microseal 200-1 on the stainless steel than on the titanium alloy. Microscopy and surface analyses, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence, of the coatings on stainless steel substrates reveals that the coatings are sparse and relatively thin, likely a key factor contributing to their high friction. This insight underscores the substrate dependence of this widely used coating and highlights the importance of detailed tribological testing in accurately assessing the tribological performance of commercial dry film lubricants, a key step towards improving the reliability and effectiveness of actuating mechanisms for space applications.