Green Tribology, its History, Challenges, and Perspectives

Abstract

In this chapter the concept of green tribology and its relation to other areas of tribology is discussed as well as other "green" disciplines, namely, green engineering and green chemistry. The twelve principles of green tribology are formulated: the minimization of (1) friction and (2) wear, (3) the reduction or complete elimination of lubrication, including self-lubrication, (4) natural and (5) biodegradable lubrication, (6) using sustainable chemistry and engineering principles, (7) biomimetic approaches, (8) surface texturing, (9) environmental implications of coatings, (10) real-time monitoring, (11) design for degradation, and (12) sustainable energy applications. Three areas of green tribology are further defined: (1) biomimetics for tribological applications, (2) environment-friendly lubrication, and (3) the tribology of renewable energy application. The integration of these areas remains a primary challenge for this novel area of research. The challenges of green tribology and future directions of research are also discussed. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.