Preparation and friction properties of self-lubricating layer on bearing balls by ball milling

A self-lubricating layer on bearing balls was fabricated by ball milling of MoS2 powder in a vacuum container with bearing balls. The influence of ball milling time on the self-lubricating layer at the rotation speed of 200 r/min was investigated. The morphology and elements distribution of the self-lubricating layers under different ball milling time were observed using the scanning electron microscope and EDS spectrum analysis. The results show that with ball milling time, the coating surface morphology changes little, thickness of the lubricating layer increases firstly and then decreases, Mo is distributed first evenly and then dispersely. Thickness and uniformity of element in the coating surface after ball milling for 5 h are the best. The friction test results of the coatings show that lubricating effect is obvious with the ball milling for 1h and 5 h while the lubricating effect is not obvious with ball milling for 10 h. The self-lubricating layer fabricated by the ball milling for 5 h has the best lubricating effect. ©, 2015, Beijing Institute of Aeronautical Materials (BIAM). All right reserved.