Abstract
Tribology is the science and engineering of interacting surfaces in relative motion. It includes the study and application of the principles of friction, lubrication, and wear. Tribology is a branch of mechanical engineering and materials science. The tribological interactions of a solid surface’s exposed face with interfacing materials and environment may result in loss of material from the surface. The process leading to loss of material is known as “wear.” Major types of wear include abrasion, friction (adhesion and cohesion), erosion, and corrosion. Wear can be minimized by modifying the surface properties of solids by one or more of “surface engineering” processes (surface finishing) or by use of lubricants (for frictional or adhesive wear). In recent years, micro- and nanotribology have been gaining ground. Frictional interactions in microscopically small components are becoming increasingly important for the development of new products in electronics, life sciences, chemistry, sensors, and by extension for all modern technology.
The aim of this Special Issue is to collect original research articles as well as review articles on the most recent developments and research efforts in this field, with the purpose of providing guidelines for future research directions.