Use in Free Powder Form

Many types of moving contact can be lubricated by simply feeding molybdenum disulphide powder into the contact zone either before operation or even during operation. This is probably the simplest of all techniques for using it, but there are several disadvantages. The powder is easily scattered and is black, so that the procedure can be very messy. It is also difficult to achieve uniform distribution, so that lubrication may be unsatisfactory where there is insufficient lubricant, or the powder may cause jamming where there is an excess present. 

One useful way of applying the powder quite controllably is to use a vessel like a pepper-pot or sugar-sifter. The application can be controlled by the size and distribution of holes in the dispenser, and by applying a steady vibration to it. Some experimentation will always be necessary in order to achieve satisfactory application of powder. Any change in the particle size of the powder will significantly affect the distribution, so that once a suitable technique has been developed, care must be taken to maintain the particle size and the purity. Any major change in humidity will also affect particle flow and film formation. 

They found that the gear train ran successfully up to 400°C, with efficiencies as high as 97%. On conclusion of the tests the gear teeth were found to be coated with a thin film of molybdenum disulphide. Drozdov and Egorov found that the 

1 Gas Bearing type Load Speed (rpm) Temperature Life Ref 

Air 75mm bore roller 168kg radial 12000 230 C 9.1hrs 217 

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