The Role of Cerium in the Resistance of an MoS2-Containing Composite Brush Plating Layer to Humid Atmosphere

Abstract

MoS₂ is an excellent solid lubricant widely used for reducing friction. However, moisture is very harmful to its solid lubrication property because MoS₂ is easily oxidized to form Mo⁶⁺ and S⁶⁺ in a humid atmosphere. In order to improve its oxidation resistance, a study on the role of a rare earth element Ce in the resistance of a Ni-Cu-P/Mo₂ brush plating layer to the humid atmosphere was carried out. It was found that cerium can effectively stabilize the solid lubrication property of MoS₂ due to its preferential adsorption on the surface of MoS₂ particles, the adsorbed layer serving as a barrier to oxidation. This study shows that the rare earth element Ce can be deposited from a water plating solution.