Densification and tribofilm formation in hydrocarbon nanofluids induced by MoS2 nanotubes

Abstract

The nanoscopic behaviour of dispersions of MoS2 nanotubes in hydrocarbons was studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The reported results allowed the analysis of hydrocarbons adsorption at nanotubes external wall as well as the behaviour of the confined phase of hydrocarbons inside the nanotubes internal cavity. The adsorption and confinement of hydrocarbons leads to large structural rearrangements in the vicinity of the nanotubes in comparison with bulk liquid phase, which are pivotal for the behaviour of these nanofluids as lubricant media. The large affinity of the considered hydrocarbons for the nanotubes surfaces and cavities determines the stability of the considered dispersions and it allows the application of these nanofluids for several technologies in particular for enhanced lubrication.