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TUNGSTEN DISULFIDE (WS2) POWDER
What is Tungsten Disulfide (WS2)?
Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) is an inorganic solid lubricant known for its ultra-low coefficient of friction, very high load-bearing performance, and stability in high-temperature and vacuum environments. It is widely used where conventional oils and greases can be limited—such as aerospace/vacuum, automotive, precision engineering, tooling, and industrial lubrication.
Quick Highlights of Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) Powder
- Ultra-low friction: coefficient of friction ~0.03 (dynamic) and ~0.07 (static)
- High load capacity: coated film load bearing ability up to ~300,000 psi
- High-temperature performance (air): ~-450°F (-270°C) to ~1200°F (650°C)
- High-temperature performance (vacuum): ~-305°F (-188°C) to ~2400°F (1316°C)
- Available in sub-micron grades (~0.4–1.0 micron) and nano options
Technical Specifications Tungsten Disulfide
Note: Values shown are typical reference values. Performance depends on substrate, surface preparation, load, temperature, and environment.
| Specification | Value (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Material | Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) |
| CAS Number | 12138-09-09 |
| Coefficient of Friction (Dynamic) | ~0.03 |
| Coefficient of Friction (Static) | ~0.07 |
| Load Bearing Ability (Coated Film) | Up to ~300,000 psi |
| Temperature Range (Normal Atmosphere / Air) | ~-450°F (-270°C) to ~1200°F (650°C) |
| Temperature Range (Vacuum) | ~-305°F (-188°C) to ~2400°F (1316°C) |
| Typical Coating Film Thickness (Dry Film) | ~0.5 micron |
| Common Sub-Micron Particle Sizes | ~0.4–1.0 micron |
Application Methods of WS2 Powder
WS2 powder can be used as either a dry film coating or as an additive in lubricants/mixtures.
- Additive blending (oil/grease/synthetic lubricants)
- Typical blending range: ~1 wt% to 15 wt% (as required), depending on the lubricant viscosity and application goals.
- During use, WS2 can plate/transfer onto mating surfaces and help reduce friction and improve lubricity under boundary/extreme pressure conditions.
- Dry film coating (spray/buff/tumble)
- Spray application can be performed using dry pneumatic air (reference: ~120 psi).
- Typical dry film thickness is ~0.5 micron (reference).
- Alternate method: mix with isopropyl alcohol to form a paste and buff onto the substrate.
- Commonly coatable substrates include metals (iron/steel/aluminum/copper) and various solids/plastics (application-dependent).
Typical Industries & Use Cases for Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) Powder
| Industry / Segment | Common Components | Why WS2 is Used | Typical Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace / Vacuum | Bearings, actuators, sliding interfaces, fasteners | Maintains lubricity in vacuum; supports high load and temperature extremes | Dry film coating |
| Automotive / Racing | Pistons, rings, valve components, cam/tappet interfaces, gears | Reduces friction and wear under high load/high heat | Additive blending; selective dry film |
| Precision Engineering | Linear bearings, precision gears, moving assemblies | Ultra-low friction for smoother motion and reduced wear | Dry film coating |
| Tooling / Metal Forming | Cutting tools, punches, dies, mold release | Lower friction; helps reduce galling and improves release | Dry coating / buffing |
| Industrial Machinery | Chains, slides, rollers, conveyors | Helps extend component life where relubrication is difficult | Additive in grease/oil; dry film on wear points |
Downloads (Brochure + SDS)
WS2 VS MoS2 – PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
Note: Values are typical references and can vary by grade, particle size, substrate, coating method, and test conditions.
| Property | Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) | Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | Ultra-low friction + very high load-bearing + strong high-temp/vacuum stability | Proven solid lubricant widely used for EP lubrication and additive applications |
| Coefficient of Friction (Typical) | ~0.03 (dynamic), ~0.07 (static) | Often higher than WS2 depending on film/test conditions |
| Load Bearing Ability (Reference) | Up to ~300,000 psi (coated film) | Up to ~250,000 psi (reference) |
| High Temperature Performance | Suitable for high temperatures (typical: up to ~650°C in air) | Strong high-temp performance; varies by environment and coating system |
| Vacuum Suitability | Excellent; commonly used in vacuum-related applications | Excellent in inert/high vacuum environments |
| Common Particle Size Options | Sub-micron (~0.4–1.0 micron) + nano options | Micron/sub-micron options depending on grade |
Takeaway
If your priority is the lowest friction with maximum load-bearing performance—especially in high-temperature or vacuum environments—WS2 is often preferred. For broad EP solid lubrication and additive use cases, MoS2 remains a proven industry standard.
FIELD EXAMPLE (Customer Use Case)
Example application reported by a WS2 user: added sub-micron WS2 to engine oil at each oil change and observed a significant reduction in oil consumption and stabilized wear over extended runtime. Results vary by equipment and conditions; always validate in your system.
EXPERTISE
Content prepared and reviewed by the Lower Friction technical team (M.K. IMPEX CORP, Canada) supporting industrial lubrication, dry film coatings, and solid lubricant materials.
SAFETY, HANDLING & STORAGE (Summary)
- Irritation hazard: Dust may cause respiratory irritation; may cause skin and eye irritation.
- PPE & controls: Use adequate ventilation and appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection; respiratory protection where dust is present).
- Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry, well-ventilated place.
- Note on appearance: Color/appearance can vary by grade (brochure lists silver gray; SDS lists black).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
- What is Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) powder used for?
A: WS2 powder is used as a dry solid lubricant or lubricant additive to reduce friction and wear, especially under high load, high temperature, or vacuum conditions. - Why choose WS2 over MoS2?
A: WS2 is often selected when ultra-low friction and high load-bearing coated-film performance are priorities, particularly in demanding temperature and vacuum environments. Selection depends on your substrate, environment, and lubrication method. - Can WS2 be used in vacuum or aerospace applications?
A: WS2 is commonly used in vacuum and aerospace-related lubrication use cases because it can maintain lubricity in vacuum and at very high temperatures (typical reference ranges are provided above). - What particle sizes and pack sizes are available?
A: Common sub-micron grades are typically in the ~0.4–1.0 micron range. Pack options for sub-micron grades commonly include 1 lb, 10 lb, and 55 lb (25 kg). Nano grades are also available. - How do I apply WS2 powder?
A: WS2 can be mixed into oils/greases (often as a wt% additive) or applied as a dry film coating by spraying/buffing/tumbling. Surface preparation and process control significantly affect results. - Is WS2 powder hazardous?
A: Review the SDS before use. WS2 may cause skin/eye irritation and respiratory irritation (dust). Use appropriate PPE and ventilation, and follow SDS handling and storage instructions.