Friction, Surface Science and Tribology—A Personal View

Abstract

This paper is a rather personalized account of research carried out over many years by a physicist exploring the basic mechanisms of friction and the general field of tribology. It indicates how side-tracks have often led to other rich pastures and reflects the sometimes fruitful unpredictability of scientific research. This paper records several such felicitous surprises emerging from studies of friction. These include the direct measurement of surface forces, the adhesion of elastomers in terms of surface energy and viscoelastic properties, the skid-resistant properties of tyres, diffusion in polymers and measurement at the molecular level of the shear properties of oriented layers of boundary lubricants. In all this work the author is conscious of the original initiatives of the late Professor Bowden and recognizes the major contributions made by research students and colleagues. He is also conscious of many elements of serendipity.