ABSTRACT
This chapter describes powerful analytical techniques capable of sampling tribological surfaces and solid film lubricants. Mechanically abraded or polished metal, polymer, and ceramic surfaces are frequently used as lubricating coatings, self-lubricating substances, or wear-resistant substances. The textures of engineering surfaces used in tribological applications vary widely. Particles in the environment are involved in virtually all tribological situations that produce contamination, abrasive wear, corrosion, and erosion. They adsorb on surfaces and change surface properties and tribological behavior. The real contact area and the interfacial gap can contribute significantly to all major aspects of tribology: adhesion, friction, lubrication, wear, corrosion, heat transfer and conductivity, electrical conductivity, seal or leakage, interference fits, cylinder/cylinder liner tolerances, and more. Knowledge of the contaminant and oxide layers is of great interest to materials researchers in tribology as modern technology tries to improve material properties, such as coefficient of friction and resistance against wear and corrosion in near-surface regions.
