Molykote Z Dry Powder Lubricant, MIL-M-7866

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder Specifications

Technical values are based on MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder product information. Typical values are not to be interpreted as sales specifications. Always consult the applicable manufacturer documentation for current requirements.

What Is MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder?

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder is a dry form of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), a solid lubricant with a layered structure that allows the material to provide low-friction lubrication under boundary conditions.

Unlike a conventional oil or grease, the product is supplied as a dry powder. It can be rubbed or burnished onto a properly prepared surface to create a lubricating film, or incorporated into other materials where solid lubrication is required.

The material is intended for difficult lubrication environments, including applications involving heavy loads, slow movement, vibration, shock, elevated or very low temperatures, vacuum and other conditions where conventional lubricants may be unsuitable.

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder Applications

• Dry burnished lubricating films on metal surfaces
• Run-in lubrication for newly assembled components
• Press-fitting applications
• Heavy-load, slow-speed mechanisms
• Boundary lubrication applications
• Anti-galling and anti-seizing applications
• Metal cams, bearings, ways and gears
• Splines and other highly loaded metal interfaces
• Metalworking compounds
• Machining, stamping and forming applications
• Self-lubricating plastics
• Sintered metal components
• Elastomers and selected rubber components
• Applications involving vacuum or radiation
• Applications where conventional oil lubrication cannot be used

Heavy Loads and Slow Speeds

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder is particularly suited to lubrication conditions where an oil film cannot be maintained. Heavy loads, slow surface speeds, vibration and shock can create boundary-lubrication conditions in which a solid lubricant can provide useful friction and wear reduction.

The powder can be used on components such as bearings, bushings, cams, gears, ways and splines when the applicable component documentation permits the use of a dry molybdenum disulfide lubricant.

Run-In Lubrication

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder can be used as a run-in lubricant for newly assembled metal components. Burnishing MoS₂ onto prepared surfaces can help reduce friction and the tendency toward galling or seizing during initial operation.

Run-in lubrication can be particularly useful where two metal surfaces are being brought into service together and the initial operating conditions involve high contact loads or limited relative movement.

Press Fitting and Fretting Applications

Molybdenum disulfide powder can be used to reduce friction during press-fitting operations. A properly applied dry MoS₂ film can reduce the force required to assemble components and help reduce the potential for seizure, galling and surface damage.

The product is also used in applications where static loading, vibration or limited movement can contribute to fretting between metal surfaces.

Dry Lubrication for Metal Components

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder can be burnished onto metal surfaces to create a dry lubricating film. This can be useful where an oil or grease film is undesirable or where the component operates under conditions that make conventional fluid lubrication difficult.

Typical component applications include:

• Bearings and bushings
• Gears
• Cams
• Ways and slides
• Splines
• Threaded components
• Press-fit interfaces
• Highly loaded sliding surfaces

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder for Metalworking

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder can also be incorporated into metalworking compounds and used to reduce friction between tooling and workpieces. Manufacturer information identifies applications including machining, stamping, drawing, bending, thread rolling, cold heading and swaging.

Its solid-lubricant properties can help reduce galling, welding and metal pickup on appropriately selected tooling and metalworking surfaces.

Use in Plastics, Elastomers and Sintered Metals

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder can be incorporated into selected plastics, elastomers and sintered metals to provide solid-lubricant properties. It may also be burnished onto certain components where conventional oil lubrication cannot be used.

Potential applications include self-lubricating bearings, gears, seals and other components where a dry or internally lubricated material is required. Material compatibility should always be evaluated for the specific formulation and application.

Extreme Environment Lubrication

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder is designed for demanding environments where conventional lubricants may not perform adequately. Manufacturer information identifies resistance to chemical and solvent exposure as well as use in vacuum, radiation and liquid or gaseous oxygen environments.

The specified service temperature range is -375°F to 750°F (-226°C to 399°C).

Temperature capability alone does not establish suitability for a particular aircraft, engine or component. Always verify the applicable maintenance documentation and material compatibility requirements before use.

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder Application Methods

The powder can be applied using several methods depending on the component and intended use.

Burnishing

For a dry lubricating film, apply the powder to a clean, dry, degreased surface and rub it thoroughly in different directions using a suitable hard brush, cloth or other appropriate application tool. The objective is to work the molybdenum disulfide into the surface rather than simply leaving a loose layer of powder.

Tumbling

Small components can be tumble-coated with MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder. This method is particularly suited to small parts where uniform application is required.

Dusting

The powder can be applied by controlled dusting to suitable areas, including small openings and difficult-to-reach locations. Avoid unnecessary airborne dust and follow applicable workplace safety requirements when handling powdered materials.

Incorporation into Materials

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder may be incorporated as a solid lubricant additive in selected plastics, elastomers and sintered metal materials before forming or processing.

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder and MIL-M-7866

MIL-M-7866 is the former U.S. military specification titled Molybdenum Disulfide, Technical, Lubrication Grade. The specification covered powdered molybdenum disulfide intended for lubrication of surfaces where boundary conditions exist.

The U.S. Department of Defense lists MIL-M-7866 as canceled on September 21, 1998. The SAE designation SAE-AMS-M-7866 is the successor specification designation. MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder product information identifies the material as meeting AMS 7866, formerly MIL-M-7866.

For procurement documents, maintenance records or specifications that specifically call out MIL-M-7866, verify the applicable revision, approved product and current procurement requirements rather than assuming that any molybdenum disulfide powder is equivalent.

Aircraft and Aerospace Maintenance

Molybdenum disulfide powders meeting the MIL-M-7866/AMS-M-7866 requirements have a long history of use in aircraft maintenance and aerospace applications. MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder is intended for dry lubrication of appropriately specified metal components and for applications involving heavy loads, slow movement, press fits and run-in.

The product should only be applied to an aircraft, engine or component when specifically permitted by the applicable maintenance manual, component maintenance manual, engineering instruction or other controlling technical documentation.

MIL-M-7866 is a material specification; it is not a blanket aircraft approval. The applicable aircraft or component documentation determines whether a particular lubricant may be used for a specific maintenance task.

Technical Properties

Manufacturer comparison values are typical values and should not be interpreted as sales specifications. Refer to the current manufacturer's documentation and certification for procurement requirements.

Storage and Shelf Life

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder has a manufacturer-stated shelf life of 60 months from the date of manufacture when stored under normal warehouse conditions. Refer to the product packaging for the applicable Use By date.

Important Application Considerations

• Use only on surfaces and components for which dry MoS₂ lubrication is specified or permitted.
• Surfaces should be appropriately clean and dry before burnishing the powder.
• Do not assume that a MIL-M-7866/AMS-M-7866 material is interchangeable with every other molybdenum disulfide lubricant.
• Verify aircraft and component maintenance documentation before use on aircraft hardware.
• Follow the current Safety Data Sheet and applicable workplace precautions when handling the powder.
• Do not use the product for medical or pharmaceutical applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder?

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder is a dry molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) lubricant supplied as a fine gray-black powder. It can be burnished onto surfaces or incorporated into selected materials to provide solid lubrication.

What is MOLYKOTE Z Powder used for?

Typical uses include dry burnished lubrication, run-in of newly assembled components, press fitting, heavy-load and slow-speed mechanisms, anti-galling applications, metalworking and solid-lubricant additives for plastics, elastomers and sintered metals.

Is MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder the same as MIL-M-7866?

MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder is identified by its manufacturer as meeting AMS 7866, formerly MIL-M-7866. MIL-M-7866 itself was canceled in 1998 and the SAE AMS designation is the successor specification. Always verify the required specification and revision for the specific procurement or maintenance application.

Is MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder 100% molybdenum disulfide?

The product is described as a very pure form of molybdenum disulfide. Manufacturer comparison data lists approximately 98.7% MoS₂, while the AMS-M-7866 requirement is 98.5% minimum.

What temperature range does MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder have?

The manufacturer specifies a service temperature range of approximately -375°F to 750°F (-226°C to 399°C).

How is MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder applied?

It can be burnished onto clean, dry surfaces, applied by controlled dusting, tumble-coated onto small components, or incorporated into selected plastics, elastomers and sintered metals.

Can MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder be used for aircraft maintenance?

MIL-M-7866/AMS-M-7866 molybdenum disulfide powders have documented aerospace and aircraft maintenance applications. However, the specific aircraft or component maintenance documentation must authorize the material for the intended application.

Does MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder contain graphite?

No. MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder is a molybdenum disulfide lubricant. It should not be confused with graphite-based dry lubricants such as products meeting graphite specifications.

What package size does BAC sell?

BAC currently lists MOLYKOTE Z Moly-Powder under BAC part number Z-MOLY-POWDER-10OZ in a 10 oz (283 g) package.