2 - Introduction to tribology of polymer composites

This chapter gives a brief introduction to the interdisciplinary subject of tribology which is a relatively new subject dealing with the interface between two or more bodies in relative motion such as in gears, bearings, piston–cylinder assembly, gyroscopes, etc. In broader terms tribology, derived from the Greek word tribos which means rubbing, deals with the subject of friction, wear, lubrication and related phenomena. Tribological characterization of a material, determining its wear and friction coefficient and lubrication properties at different operating parameters such as load, sliding distance, sliding velocity, temperature, etc., assumes paramount significance with regard to developing economically viable and energy efficient tribo-materials.