Tribology and Sustainability

In the 1960s, the dominant focus of tribological research were economic savings, higher performance and increased service life. Major studies in industrialised countries showed that the costs associated with friction, lubrication and wear were equivalent to several percent of GDP. In today's society, demands are constantly increasing on all kinds of tools and mechanical components in vehicles, machinery and equipment, and the quest for more sustainable and energy-efficient solutions is driving development.

How does tribology relate to sustainability?

Research in tribology is linked to sustainability by not only reducing friction for increased energy efficiency, but also by promoting long lifetimes and high performance of sustainable technologies. To implement transitions to environmentally friendly technologies, such as in transport and power generation, tribological optimisation is required to avoid delays or failures.

An example of tribology in practice is the transition to unleaded petrol and alcohol-based fuels, which required tribological optimisation of engine components. By maximising the lifetime of components through the use of thin surface films on the contact surfaces, tribology can reduce wear and friction, which is, and has been, crucial to the efficiency of sustainable systems. Low friction losses will be particularly important to extend use phases and move towards an energy-efficient and long-lasting circular economy.

Tribological research focuses on making sustainable systems competitive and widespread acceptance and use, which is essential to promote a sustainable world.

Technical transitions and benefits based on tribology

There are many cases where the manufacture of the materials used today can lead to environmental or health problems. For example, waste and residues from lubricants can contribute to both health and environmental problems. Developing better alternatives requires extensive research and development.

In addition to continuously developing materials, lubricants, surface structures and designs with lower friction losses, there are a number of other important areas where tribology enables the transition to more sustainable solutions to technical problems such as:

• switching to more sustainable raw materials (e.g. replacing lead as an alloy in bearing bronze)
  
• switching to more sustainable lubricants (replacing health-promoting additives, switching from
  
• mineral-based to vegetable oils, etc.)
  
• reducing the use of lubricants (made possible by changing materials)
  
• switching to more sustainable fuels (renewable fuels, cleaner combustion)
  
• reducing pollution and health problems due to abrasive particles
  
• reduced losses of raw materials (abrasive particles difficult to re-cycle)
  
• reduced transport by reducing the need to transport spare parts, replace worn-out machines, etc.