Tribology

Dr. Tarek Lutz
Group Leader Center for Nanoanalytics

Investigation of the interaction between lubricant and material surfaces in tribocontact; elucidation of load and wear phenomena.

In tribology, the science of lubrication and wear, knowledge of changes at internal and external interfaces is crucial. By using (nano-)analytical methods and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we enable detailed analysis of developing reaction layers in tribocontact. High-resolution imaging and spectroscopic investigations (EDX, EELS) record the chemical composition and atomic structure of the reaction layer.

TEM can identify phase transitions, layer thicknesses and atomic scale changes. This information is critical to understand wear behavior, lubricant reactions, and reaction layer formation mechanisms, and to develop optimal materials and lubricants for tribocontact. With our analytical methods, we perform load characterization and analyze the near-surface boundary and reaction layers to elucidate the causes of material fatigue and wear.

Our (nano-)analytical methods allow a detailed analysis of developing reaction layers in tribocontact. High-resolution imaging and spectroscopic investigations (EDX, EELS) also record the chemical composition and atomic structure of the reaction layer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can identify phase transitions, layer thicknesses and atomic scale changes. This information is critical to understand wear behavior, lubricant reactions, and reaction layer formation mechanisms, and to develop optimal materials and lubricants for tribocontact.