WiseEST – Enabling Sustainable technology Transitions

WiseEST is a joint research technology platform between Luleå University of Technology and Uppsala University, funded by WISE - Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability.

We offer world-class and versatile tribological testing facilities and extensive and advanced materials analysis capabilities, combined with the excellence and experience of tribology experts from two leading universities in tribology

Motivation for a technology platform in tribology

All too often sustainable technology transitions are held back by unexpected friction and wear problems. Our vision is that WiseEST becomes a vital and integrated part in enabling such transitions, by offering a dedicated, application-relevant test and analysis facility, and tribological expertise. The resulting deepened understanding of the problems will provide important insights into how new materials, coatings, and lubricants should be selected and optimised to enable sustainable solutions that will become competitive, accepted, and widely used.

Collaborative research environment

Luleå University of Technology and Uppsala University have a long history of mutually rewarding cooperation within tribology research and PhD education. Their research profiles are highly complementary are together their national and international networks in academia and industry are very broad.

• Machine Elements at Luleå University of Technology
• Tribomaterials (Uppsala University) External link.

Equipment enabled through WiseEST

The funding from WISE for the WiseEST platform has enabled Luleå University of Technology and Uppsala University to strengthen their already leading infrastructure for tribology research by acquiring novel and state-of-the-art equipment.

At Luleå University of Technology the following equipment is funded through WiseEST:

• FIB-SEM
• In-situ tribometer for synchrotron measurements
• High-temperature fretting corrosion test rig
• Electro tribochemistry test equipment

Uppsala University has procured the following test equipment through WiseEST:

• Tribotesting Equipment External link. (Uppsala University)

WiseEST organisation and contacts

The management and operations of WiseEST is handled by the coordination group for WiseEST which includes:

• Prof. Staffan Jacobson (Coordinator) External link.

• Prof. Jens Hardell (Deputy coordinator)

• Dr. Robin Elo (Local platform manager) External link.

An advisory board with members from industry and trade associations has been established and presently includes Maria Åstrand (Epiroc), Tom Eriksson (Alleima), Ingegerd Annergren (Scania) och Peter Bryntesson (Scandinavian Automotive Supplier Association).