Surface chemistry in tribology

Surface chemistry is key to the understanding of tribological phenomena in the absence of a thick lubricant film. Progress in the development of surface analytical techniques has opened a new window into tribochemical phenomena and holds the promise of a better understanding of many critically important tribological processes. In this review the areas in which surface chemistry has played an important role in enhancing tribological understanding are surveyed. These include boundary lubrication, surface-additive interactions, the anomalous tribological behaviour of quasicrystals and the lubrication of hard disks.