Friction and wear-related failures remain the greatest problems in today’s moving mechanical components, from microelectromechanical devices to automotive assemblies and to biological systems. The critical need to reduce and eliminate the tribological failures constitutes the necessity for continuous search of novel materials and lubrication solutions. In this presentation, we overview recent advances in establishing the fundamental understanding of materials interactions at sliding interfaces and use this knowledge as a guide to developing 2D material-based solutions that enhance reliability and efficiency of tribological systems. We highlight recent progress in implementing 2D materials for friction reduction to near-zero values—superlubricity—across scales from nano- up to macroscale contacts. Overall, the findings have not only allowed us to solve some long-standing puzzles, but could also open a new avenue for the development of new concepts and design strategies for next generation of tribologically efficient materials systems.
About the speaker
Diana Berman, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas
Dr. Diana Berman is an Assistant Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at UNT. Her research focuses on understanding fundamental aspects of friction, wear, and lubrication of materials with a larger vision of how this knowledge can be applied in practice. She published more than 50 papers and holds 10 patents (US and International). Among her awards are TechConnect Innovation Awards (2016 & 2017), STLE Early Career Award (2018), UNT Early Career Professorship Award (2020).
