02/26/2007 - Mechanical Tribology: Materials, Characterization, and Applications (2006).
edited by George E. Totten and Hong Liang

Editors Totten and Liang have done a commendable job of combining surface characterization techniques as it applies to tribology of various classes of materials and applications. The discussion is mechanistic in nature and includes such topics as lubrication and surface modification technologies.

The book is divided into two parts namely Material and Tribological Characterization, and Tribological Applications. Part One consists of eight chapters of which first two are devoted to chemical and physical structure of surfaces. These chapters also review a wide range of surface characterization methodologies from mechanical techniques to assess the surface roughness and micromechanical properties, to techniques based on electrons, photons, x-rays, or ions that interact with the material to be analyzed. Chapter 3 discusses tribology of plastics (polymers). In tribological applications, polymers in general can only be used blends or composites, and afford considerable promise as coatings and solid lubricants. Thin polymer films are prospective boundary lubricants in the field of memory storage devices and microelectromechanical systems. In Chapter 4, Edwards et al. discuss the application of Microthermal Analysis and Atomic Force Microscopy to study the morphology of a multicomponent or blended polymer system since microscale morphology is a determinant of bulk and surface properties of blended polymers. Chapter 5 discusses the micro and macromechanical aspects of ceramics. Here the authors emphasize the need for rigorous statistical basis for strength and sub critical crack growth data as well as numerical stress analysis of the structure. They then recommend the use of strength-probability-time diagram for life prediction and reliability analysis. While the authors present a fairly rigorous theoretical model, it is apparent that it would require validation through experimental work. The last three chapters in this section characterize tribological failure modes such as scuffing, seizure, and wear characteristics. Characteristics of thin film lubrications at nanoscale and wear mapping are some of the tools to characterize the wear process.

Part Two consists of six chapters that discuss tribology in metal cutting, metal forming, textile manufacturing, biological applications, and barrier films. While each of these chapters will be of interest to the readers depending on their field of interest, I found the Biotribology chapter to be fascinating. It describes the study of friction, wear, and lubrication of biological systems, mainly joints such as human hips and knees. In these applications a whole range of materials are used ranging from stainless steel inserts, titanium alloys for total joint replacement, ceramics as bone joint coating, and composites for bone joint. For biomaterial design, one must consider the physiological load on the implant, biocompatibility with the surrounding tissue, corrosion issues, friction and wear of the articulating surfaces, and the degree to which bone will grow next to or integrate into the implant. Wear of the polymer cup in total joint replacements continues to be the major problem plaguing these devices. The book is of excellent quality and will be of value to practicing engineers and researchers. It provides fundamental understanding of the subject matter with sophisticated techniques to study the complex interactions in various applications. The book provides a balance between theoretical modeling and practical application.

For more on Mechanical Trobilogy: Materials, Characterization, and Applications, visit the Taylor & Francis website.