ABSTRACT
Tribology is traditionally defined as the “science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion” and includes the systematic investigation of friction, wear, and lubrication processes. ‘Biotribology’ is the recent area of interest in the field of tribology, which is typically described as tribological events taking place within our biological organs and systems at the interface between organic and synthetic surfaces, and it influences several aspects of our everyday life. This intriguing field involving modern science is directly connected to a vast range of disciplines including materials science, chemistry, fluid mechanics, biological science and biomedical engineering, ergonomics, and corrosion science. Therefore, ‘biotribology’ has been one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing areas in the field of tribology for the past 50 years or so. As a classic example, the global orthopedic market for implant applications, which consist of joints including hip and knee replacements and spinal or trauma implants, is expected to reach US$ 66.63 billion by 2025. Therefore, there is considerable interest in prospective sliding and frictional wear mechanisms and their possible solution in various types of synovial joints, for scientists and engineers, as expected. The primary objective of this chapter is to review the recent advancements in biotribology research in addition to its future projection. Three major areas of biotribology research, such as joint, skin, and dental, are considered while other topics are also discussed briefly.
