Submicron-scale patterns made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were fabricated on silicon-wafer using a capillarity-directed soft lithographic technique. Polyurethane acrylate (PUA) stamps (Master molds) were used to fabricate the patterns. Patterns with three different aspect ratios were fabricated by varying the holding time. The patterns fabricated were the negative replica of the master mold. The patterns so obtained were investigated for their adhesion and friction properties at nano-scale using AFM. Friction tests were conducted in the range of 0-80 nN. Glass (Borosilicate) balls of diameter 1.25 mm mounted on cantilever (Contact Mode type NPS) were used as tips. Further, micro-friction tests were performed using a ball-on-flat type micro-tribe tester, under reciprocating motion, using a soda lime ball (1 mm diameter) under a normal load of 3,000 mN. All experiments were conducted at ambient temperature ($24{\pm}1^{\circ}C$) and relative humidity ($45{\pm}5\%$). Results showed that the patterned samples exhibited superior tribological properties when compared to the silicon wafer and non-patterned sample (PMMA thin film) both at the nano and micro-scales, owing to their increased hydrophobicity and reduced real area of contact. In the case of patterns it was observed that their morphology (shape factor and size factor) was decisive in defining the real area of contact.

Friction and wear properties of the Boron carbide ($B_{4}C$) coating 100 nm thickness were studied under various relative humidity (RH). The boron carbide film was deposited on silicon substrate by DC magnetron sputtering method using $B_{4}C$ target with a mixture of Ar and methane ($CH_4$) as precursor gas. Friction tests were performed using a reciprocation type friction tester at ambient environment. Steel balls of 3 mm in diameter were used as counter-specimen. The results indicated that relative humidity strongly affected the tribological properties of boron carbide coating. Friction coefficient decreased from 0.42 to 0.09 as the relative humidity increased from $5\%$ to $85\%$. Confocal microscopy was used to observe worn surfaces of the coating and wear scars on steel balls after the tests. It showed that both the coating surface and the ball were significantly worn-out even though boron carbide is much harder than the steel. Moreover, at low humidity ($5\%$) the boron carbide showed poor wear resistance which resulted in the complete removal of coating layer, whereas at the medium and high humidity conditions, it was not. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) analyses were performed to characterize the chemical composition of the worn surfaces. We suggest that tribochemical reactions occurred during sliding in moisture air to form boric acid on the worn surface of the coating. The boric acid and the tribochemcal layer that formed on steel ball resulted in low friction and wear of boron carbide coating.

Plasma ceramic spray that is applied on a machine part under severe work conditions has been investigated for tribological behavior. The application of ceramic coatings by plasma spray has become essential in tribosystems to produce wear resistance and long life in severe conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the wear characteristics of $8\%Y_{2}O_3-ZrO_2$ coating, in view of the effect of post-spay heat treatment. The plasma-sprayed $8\%Y_{2}O_3-ZrO_2$ coating was studied to know the relationship between phase transformations and wear behavior related to post-spray heat treatment. Wear test was carried out with ball on disk type on normal loads of 50N,70N and 90N under room temperature. The phase transformation of phase and the value of residual stress were measured by X-ray diffraction method(XRD). Tribological characteristics and wear mechanisms of coatings were observed by SEM. The tribological wear performance was discussed in the focusing of residual stress. Consequently, post-spray heat treatment plays an important role in decreasing residual stress. Residual stress in the coating system has a significant influence on the wear mechanism of coating.

Surface texturing of tribological applications is an attractive technology of engineered surface. Therefore, reduction of friction is considered to be necessary for improved efficiency of machines. The current study investigated the potential of textured micro-scale grooves on bearing steel flat mated with pin-on-disk. We discuss reducing friction due to the influence of sliding direction at surface pattern. We can indicate lubrication mechanism as a Stribeck curve, which has a relationship between the friction coefficient and a dimensionless parameter for the lubrication condition. It was found that the friction coefficient was changed by the surface pattern and sliding direction, even when surface pattern was the same. It was thus verified that micro-scale grooves could affect the friction reduction considerably under mixed and hydrodynamic lubrication conditions. The lubrication regime influences the friction coefficient induced by the sliding direction of groove pattern. The friction coefficient depends on a combination of resistance force and hydrodynamic.

An OEM driven working group started in January 2004 to elaborate the philosophies, concepts and test procedures for testing piston ring and cylinder liner materials as well as engine oils outside the engine using the $SRV^{(R)}$ test equipment. The different $SRV^{(R)}$ test philosophies in use by OEMs are compiled. The working group focuses on a.) ASTM sequence VIB (Fuel economy by aging oils), b.) friction and wear in the top dead region under mixed/boundary lubrication, c.) extreme pressure load under mixed/boundary lubrication and d.) hydrodynamic friction. Tribological test result and precision data are presented.