Not exactly a scientific journal but from Wikipedia:
'The acoustic and thermal properties of graphite are highly anisotropic, since phonons propagate quickly along the tightly-bound planes, but are slower to travel from one plane to another.
Graphite is an electric conductor, consequently, useful in such applications as arc lamp electrodes. It can conduct electricity due to the vast electron delocalization within the carbon layers (a phenomenon called aromaticity). These valence electrons are free to move, so are able to conduct electricity. However, the electricity is primarily conducted within the plane of the layers. The conductive properties of powdered graphite[13] allows its use as pressure sensor in carbon microphones.
Graphite and graphite powder are valued in industrial applications for their self-lubricating and dry lubricating properties. There is a common belief that graphite's lubricating properties are solely due to the loose interlamellar coupling between sheets in the structure.[14] However, it has been shown that in a vacuum environment (such as in technologies for use in space), graphite is a very poor lubricant.[citation needed] This observation led to the hypothesis that the lubrication is due to the presence of fluids between the layers, such as air and water, which are naturally adsorbed from the environment. This hypothesis has been refuted by studies showing that air and water are not absorbed.[15] Recent studies suggest that an effect called superlubricity can also account for graphite's lubricating properties. The use of graphite is limited by its tendency to facilitate pitting corrosion in some stainless steel,[16][17] and to promote galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals (due to its electrical conductivity). It is also corrosive to aluminium in the presence of moisture. For this reason, the US Air Force banned its use as a lubricant in aluminium aircraft,[18] and discouraged its use in aluminium-containing automatic weapons.[19] Even graphite pencil marks on aluminium parts may facilitate corrosion.[20] Another high-temperature lubricant, hexagonal boron nitride, has the same molecular structure as graphite. It is sometimes called white graphite, due to its similar properties.'
And I think the armorers TM for the AR calls for 'moly grease' as a lube for the barrel nut. MoS2 is a fairly stable compound and not likely to make sulphuric acid easily. But it is easy to overthink the simple stuff-in the grand scheme of things most any decent lube will probably work in a joint that will probably never be taken down.