New research platform to provide new insights into friction and wear

A new research platform for advanced tribological measurements was inaugurated on May 26 at Luleå University of Technology. Through WiseEST, researchers from Luleå University of Technology and Uppsala University are coming together to develop new ways to study friction and wear while the processes are actually taking place.

Tribology deals with what happens when surfaces come into contact with one another and encompasses everything from physics and chemistry to mechanics and materials science. The field is crucial to the development of new technology, yet it is difficult to both predict and measure.

“No technology works without first solving tribological problems. If we are to implement new technology, new materials, or new lubricants, we must understand what is actually happening at the contact surfaces,” says Roland Larsson, professor at Luleå University of Technology.

Industry representatives, such as Sandvik, were also present and shared their perspective on the important research in this field.
“Everything is tribology for us. If we can better predict what happens when we drill into the ground and crush rock—for example, how much force is needed—it would be of great significance to the industry. There is still much we don’t understand today,” says Malin Mårtensson, R&D Expert at Sandvik Rock Tools.

The initiative has received a total of 46 million Swedish kronor in funding and includes both advanced microscopy equipment and new experimental measurement setups. The goal is to be able to monitor what happens in materials and contact surfaces in real time—something that has long been a challenge in tribology research.

From post-analysis to real-time measurements

Traditionally, researchers have often analyzed materials only after tests have been conducted, through so-called post-mortem analyses. With the new platform, it will instead be possible to study the processes as they occur.

“The idea is that we’ll be able to measure certain parameters as they happen. Today, we often measure afterward, but now we’ll be able to follow the processes in real time. It will be a whole new way to study and understand tribology,” says Jens Hardell, professor at Luleå University of Technology.

The research platform is part of the WISE program, which is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and focuses on sustainability, energy transition, and the circular economy. In total, the program encompasses major investments in research infrastructure and laboratory environments throughout Sweden.

During the inauguration, Professor Bo Liedberg from WISE emphasized the importance of collaboration and building strong research environments together.

“I want to congratulate you on this grant. Build your future around accessibility and work for the good of the country. Reach out to colleagues and try to find collaborations within academia, industry, and research institutes. You have fantastic research equipment that you can share,” says Bo Liedberg from WISE.

Aiming to strengthen international standing

Luleå University of Technology already hosts TriboLAB, which features over 50 different pieces of equipment for tribological research. WiseEST is described as an important addition that will strengthen the university’s international position in the field.

“This helps us advance our research so that we can continue to conduct world-leading research. We already have a strong international standing, and this initiative will allow us to maintain that position going forward,” says Jens Hardell.

The day will also feature presentations on future trends in experimental tribology, research infrastructure, and sustainable technology, together with representatives from academia and industry.