Tribochemistry and Interfaces

Dear Colleagues,

An interface can be defined as a transition between different phases of matter. In a tribological contact, interfaces have the specificity to be under motion, making studies very complicated. Furthermore, interfaces can be of different types depending on the considered tribosystems: solid/solid, solid/gas/solid or solid/liquid/solid. Moreover, under certain conditions, chemical reactions could occur within these interfaces and generate a new compound called a tribofilm due to a tribochemical process. This tribofilm, with a thickness of only few nanometers in some cases, is able to control both wear and friction in the contact. The understanding of tribochemical phenomena is an actual key scientific challenge that this Special Issue proposes to address.

It is important to highlight that several parameters influence tribochemical processes: i) the chemical types of molecules present in the liquid or gas environment of the contact; ii) the nature and morphology of the solid surfaces involved in the contact; and iii) the contact conditions. To study such processes, friction tests and post-mortem characterization (topography, physico-chemical composition, mechanical properties, structure, etc.) are commonly performed. Advanced surface analytical tools, in-situ experimental techniques and computational chemistry tools have recently provided new input for the understanding of such phenomena.

This Special Issue aims to publish the latest developments in the field of tribochemistry. Research articles dedicated to any kind of tribochemical phenomena under dry or fluid lubrication and involving different types of lubricant additives, coatings, gas, etc., will be of great interest to this Special Issue. Tailoring surfaces to optimize tribochemical reactivity is also considered an interesting aspect. Advanced in-situ tribometry studies, recent developments of tribofilm characterization techniques, and modeling studies are also highly welcome.

Guest Editor

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• Tribochemistry
• Lubricant additives
• Dry lubrication
• Coatings
• In-situ tribometry
• Advanced physico-chemical surface characterization techniques
• Modeling