The persistent economic and environmental challenges arising from friction-induced energy losses underscore the critical need for innovative lubrication technologies. Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs), characterized by their layered architecture and weak interlayer van der Waals (vdW) interactions, have emerged as promising nanolubricants due to their well-documented shear properties and ability to form low-friction tribofilms. However, practical applications of TMDs are hindered by inherent limitations, including insufficient load-bearing capacity and high sensitivity to environmental conditions. Accordingly, extensive research efforts have been directed toward the rational design and structural modification of TMD-based lubricants. This review outlines recent advances in TMD-based tribological systems, beginning with their structural characteristics and synthesis routes, followed by an in-depth discussion of lubrication mechanisms and key performance-influencing factors. Moreover, this review explores modulation strategies for TMD-based lubricants, from conventional methods to emerging approaches, along with their applications in diverse environments. Finally, this review identifies prevailing challenges and suggests promising research directions to guide the development of next-generation high-performance TMD-based lubricants.

This study evaluated dry-in-place lubricants used for cold forging. A group of isothermal compression tests with a strain rate $(\dot{\epsilon })$ range of 0.001–1 s⁻¹ and temperature (T) range of 30–400 °C were completed. The flow stress (σ) curves of annealed steel S45C were obtained, and a corresponding Hensel–Spittel model was developed to support finite element (FE) simulation. The sensitivity of the steady combined forward and backward extrusion (SCFBE) test proposed in another study was improved by approximately 20% after it was optimized using the results of the FE simulations. Key parameters were identified, and the calibration curves after optimization were obtained. On the basis of the optimized test, a friction testing setup with a heating system was developed, in which the die temperature could be adjusted from room temperature (RT) to 230 °C. Three dry-in-place lubricants and conventional phosphating lubricant were tested, and the friction factors (m), forming loads, and ejection loads were measured. The surface features of the specimens after testing were also investigated. According to the testing results, of the three tested dry-in-place lubricants, the mica type was the best. In addition, the optimized friction testing design was verified as effective.

Galling phenomena in metal forming not only affect the quality of the engineered surfaces but also the success or failure of the manufacturing operation itself. This paper reviews the different galling conditions in sheet and bulk metal forming processes along with their evolution and the effects of temperature on galling. A group of anti-galling methods employed to prevent galling defects are also presented in detail. The techniques for quantitatively measuring galling are introduced, and the related prediction models, including friction, wear, and galling growth models, are presented to better understand the underlying phenomena. Galling phenomena in other processes similar to those occurring in metal forming are also examined to suggest different ways of further studying galling in metal forming. Finally, future research directions for the study of galling in metal forming are suggested.