ABSTRACT
This chapter provides sources for further study of tribological experiments and aims to raise critical issues concerning the relationship between basic surface properties with regard to tribology and the ability of certain classes of experiments to reveal the underlying interactions. Tribology, the study of the interaction between surfaces in contact, spans many disciplines from physics and chemistry to mechanical engineering and material science. Besides the many opportunities for interesting research, it is of extreme technological importance. The relevance to tribology is clear since the nature of chemical reactions between surfaces, lubricants, and additives can be greatly affected by such radical surface alterations. A primary interest in tribology is the detection of hydrocarbon or additive films on surfaces. Friction, as commonly used, refers to a force resisting sliding. It is of obvious importance since it is the energy loss mechanism in sliding processes.
