What is Dicronite®?
Dicronite® is a tungsten disulfide (WS2) solid lubricant coating. Tungsten disulfide occurs naturally as a rare mineral known as tungstenite, however it is typically synthesized using tungsten and sulfur.
While tungsten disulfide can be used in different fashions, the Dicronite® coating uses tungsten disulfide material specifically prepared for application as a dry film lubricant. This unique material preparation ensures optimal performance of the lubricant coating.
The Dicronite® coating is extremely thin, resists high and low temperatures, and functions in vacuum environments. Dicronite® meets the requirements of SAE specification AMS2530.
SEM photo of Tungsten Disulfide
How does tungsten disulfide provide lubrication?
The molecular structure of tungsten disulfide (WS2) forms stacks of thin layers, also referred to as a lamellar structure. These thing layers are connected to each other by weak bonds that are easily broken. This allows layers to slide along one another with very low resistance, or low friction.
When Dicronite® is applied on contact surfaces, the material’s layers provide low friction sliding, effectively lubricating the surfaces.
Why use Dicronite®?
Dicronite® is valued for its extreme lubricity and ability to improve component performance in various types of industries and applications. It’s ability to reduce friction and prevent failure in extreme environments like high or low temperatures and vacuum make Dicronite® a critical solution to difficult friction problems. For over 60 years, engineers have trusted Dicronite® for precision friction reduction.
With Dicronite®, users can:
- prevent failures due to friction
- increase efficiency and improve mechanical performance
- reduce sliding wear, extending component life
- avoid costly downtime and repairs
Tungsten Disulfide Coating Properties
TEMPERATURE STABILITY
Dicronite® is stable across a wide temperature range:
up to approximately 538°C (1000°F) in air
up to approximately 1316°C (2400°F) in vacuum
down to approximately -188°C (-305°F)
VACUUM STABILITY
It’s very low outgassing makes it a great lubricant for applications dealing with vacuum conditions.
Dicronite® is a spacecraft suitable material per ASTM E595.
THICKNESS
Dicronite® has an average thickness of 0.5 microns (0.00002 inch) or less.
The half micron thickness allows tolerances to remain unaffected, ensuring engineers can avoid redesign and easily incorporate the coating on existing designs.
Due to the nature of the material, the coating won’t build up past the 0.5 micron avg limit, which means you never have to worry that the coating has been applied too thick.
COMPATIBILITY
Dicronite® can be applied on most substrates. This includes all metals, most plastics, and some ceramics.
It may also be applied on top of other coatings or platings. Dicronite® is compatible with oils and greases and can be used in systems with fuels or hydraulic fluids.
It’s also a non-toxic, biocompatible lubricant making it suitable for medical devices and applications within the food processing industry.
What sectors use Dicronite® tungsten disulfide coating?
This dry lubricant coating is highly valued by engineers throughout various industries. Typical industries include:
What are common tungsten disulfide applications?
Common components that are coated with Dicronite® include but are not limited to:
- Actuators
- Ball Screws
- Bearings
- Bushings
- Chains
- Couplings
- Fasteners
- Gears
- Guides
- Molds
- Pins
- Shafts
- Sprockets
- Valves
What problems does Dicronite® solve?
The Dicronite® coating reduces friction and solves problems such as:
What does Dicronite® look like?
Dicronite® typically takes on a dark gray or silver color, sometimes influenced by the color and finish of the underlying substrate.
Dicronite® can be applied to all metals, most ceramics, and some plastics. See what the coating looks like on a few common substrates.
Dicronite Coated Substrates
How to apply Dicronite®?
We have certified Dicronite® application facilities that will handle the entire coating process for you. Tell us about your application and we will connect you with a facility nearest you!
Additional Tungsten Disulfide Tech Data
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CORROSION RESISTANCEProvides only minimal corrosion inhibition
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CONDUCTIVITYWill not significantly affect surface conductivity (thermal or electrical)
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CO-LUBRICATIONCompatible with oils and greases
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LIQUIDS COMPATIBILITYCompatible with aviation fuels, hydraulic fluids, and many solvents
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OXYGEN COMPATIBILITYSuitable for liquid and gaseous oxygen systems
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RADIATION STABILITYStable (tested according to LEO and nuclear containment vessel radiation levels)
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BIOCOMPATIBILITYBiocompatible per USP Class VI and ISO-10993 testing
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LOAD CAPACITYSame as substrate, up to approximately 350,000 psi (2,415 MPa)
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CHEMICAL STABILITYInert
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TOXICITYNon-toxic
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HARDNESS1.0 – 1.5 on Mohs’ scale
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MAGNETISMNon-magnetic
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HANDLINGSensitive to scratching and abrasion; prevent damage to coated surfaces
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SUBSTRATE DEFORMATIONWill not induce stress to substrate
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Dicronite® Technical Data Sheet PDF
Application Reports
Customer Specifications
TALK TO AN EXPERT
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