Technological transitions and benefits built on tribology

• change to more durable raw materials (eg replace lead as alloy in stock bronze)
• change to more durable lubricants (replace health-additive additives, change from mineral-based to vegetable oils, etc.)
• reduced use of lubricants (made possible by changing materials)
• change to more sustainable fuels (renewable fuels, cleaner combustion)
• reduced pollution and health problems via abrasive particles
• reduced losses of raw materials (abrasive particles difficult to return to the cycle)
• reduced transport by reducing the need to transport spare parts, replace worn-out machines, etc.

There are numerous cases where the manufacturing of the materials in use today lead to environmental or health problems, examples where of lubricants where spill and residual products lead to problems both with health and environment, and examples where wear particles become dispersed in air or water and lead to problems. Developing better alternatives requires extensive research and development.

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