The word tribology is derived from the Greek word, "tribos," which means "rubbing." Tribology covers the science of friction, lubrication and wear. Virtually any machine ever invented consists of components that must slide or roll relative to other components. Resistance to sliding and rolling caused by friction results in significant loss of energy. In fact, it has been estimated that as much as 33 percent of energy produced worldwide is used to overcome friction.

Friction and wear have many undesirable effects on individuals and society that are not widely known. Transportation vehicles have hundreds of moving parts that are subject to friction. Auto-mobiles generally wear out after about 100,000 miles of operation. Largely because of innovations to reduce friction and improve lubricants, the average lifetime (14 years in 2000) and miles of operation continue to increase. Since it requires as much energy to produce an automobile as it does to operate it...