ABSTRACT
Tribology is loosely translated from Greek as “the science of rubbing.” In a light-hearted view, the “tri” can be considered to be the three areas of friction, wear, and lubrication. Much work has been historically performed in the sliding of metallic systems, both dry and lubricated. From this great body of work virtually all of the current “laws” of friction have evolved. Unfortunately, the subtopic of polymer-on-metal or polymer-on-polymer sliding systems violates most of the so-called “laws” thus invalidating them relative to polymers. However, examination of the popular misconceptions (typically those taught in high-school or undergraduate physics) is instructive for an understanding of polymeric systems. This chapter concentrates on dry and nonliquid lubricated polymer-on-metal or polymer-on-polymer sliding. The only lubrication that will be discussed is self-lubrication or dry lubricant films.
