Surface characterization of novel alumina-based composites for energy efficient sliding systems

Friction, wear, and lubrication have direct influence on performance, reliability, and service life of devices that contain moving components. These are universal in applications of energy conversion, power generation, energy harvesting in the broader fields such as agriculture, transportation, drug delivery, and bioengineering. The useful life of these systems and their energy efficiency can be improved by improving the surface properties (performances) of sliding systems. Further, the applications of sliding systems are limited in extreme environments such as high temperature and space application etc. due to their limited surface properties. Therefore, development of a new class of materials with superior surface properties will improve the energy efficiency, sustainability, and applicability. This paper focuses on development of self-lubricating materials with superior surface properties for reduced friction and wear applications.