Electroresponsive Lubrication: Tribotronic systems for greener machinery

Novel tribological systems can significantly contribute to global sustainability goals by reducing friction and wear.

Due to large-scale high-power electrification, modern machinery has placed greater demands on lubrication systems, which must be designed to comply with electrical systems.

THe proposed project aims to study the effects of electric fields on machine components (lubricant and surface) as well as to apply novel lubricant solutions to the development of electroresponsive tribotronic systems (automated, in-situ tribological performance control integrating tribology and electronics).

The project would comprise developing test equipment, designing model biodegradable lubricants, comprehensive experimental studies, and implementing advanced analytical techniques to gain insights into the chemistry of boundary layers formed in electrified interfaces.

The work would culminate with the design of a tribotronic demonstrator (representing a real tribological system) as a proof-of-concept of a “smart” tribological system that would exhibit low losses (high efficiency) through self-optimization as well as predictive maintenance capabilities.

This project aligns with societal demands for greener, more sustainable industrial practices and supports the transition towards “intelligent” machinery.