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Advances in Tribological and Other Functional Properties of Materials
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Advances in Tribological and Other Functional Properties of Materials

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Materials Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 5607

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Juozas Padgurskas

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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical, Energy and Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Vytautas Magnus University, LT-53361 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: tribo-system; combined surface treatment; green tribology; bio-degradable oils; self-regulation in tribo-systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Raimundas Rukuiža

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical, Energy and Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Vytautas Magnus University, LT-53361 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: friction and wear reducing coatings; green tribology materials; bio-degradable oils; nano-particles in lubricants; self-regulation in tribo systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Rima Mickevičienė

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Marine Engineering, Faculty of Marine Technologies and Natural Sciences, Klaipeda University, Herkaus Manto St. 84, LT-92294 Klaipėda, Lithuania
Interests: welding quality assurance; additive manufacturing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to invite you to submit your research to this Special Issue “Advances in tribological and other functional properties of materials”.

The formation of functional properties of materials via various technological methods is and will always remain relevant. The tribological properties of friction pairs are particularly significant and often determine the performance of machine elements. These properties are formed by modifying the surface layers, selecting the material of friction pairs for its adjustment, and solving their lubrication issues. In addition to tribological properties, other properties of materials and elements made from them are undoubtedly significant: strength, stiffness, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and fatigue resistance.

The most important highlights of this publication are materials formed via 3D printing, composite materials from renewable raw materials, environmentally friendly (biodegradable) materials, and other materials with exceptional functional properties. We are very much looking forward to receiving contributions that will assess not only and not so much the influence of the material production technology on the physical and mechanical properties, but also the mechanisms of friction pair material decay (wear) and modeling of the material properties.

In particular, the topics of interest of this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Materials formed via 3D printing;
  • Composite materials;
  • Methods of research and modeling of material properties;
  • Biodegradable materials;
  • Green tribology materials.

Prof. Dr. Juozas Padgurskas
Dr. Raimundas Rukuiža
Dr. Rima Mickevičienė
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • composite materials
  • biodegradable materials
  • anti-frictional and frictional materials
  • wear-resistant materials
  • materials degradation mechanisms
  • green tribology

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 7055 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Selected Solid Lubricants on the Wear of the Rolling–Sliding Interface in the Wheel–Rail System According to the Standard PN-EN 15427-2-1:2022
by Wioletta Cebulska, Henryk Bąkowski and Damian Hadryś
Materials 2025, 18(7), 1672; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18071672 - 5 Apr 2025
Viewed by 312
Abstract
This article presents the influence of lubricant on selected tribological properties of the rolling–sliding association, i.e., the wheel–rail system. Three solid lubricants were tested: soybean grease, molybdenum disulfide and graphite grease. Under specific operating conditions, a beneficial influence of lubrication of the above-mentioned [...] Read more.
This article presents the influence of lubricant on selected tribological properties of the rolling–sliding association, i.e., the wheel–rail system. Three solid lubricants were tested: soybean grease, molybdenum disulfide and graphite grease. Under specific operating conditions, a beneficial influence of lubrication of the above-mentioned friction node was observed. This is valuable information for rolling stock owners, track operation or maintenance workers when making decisions about lubrication or its absence on a given section of railway track. In this way, tangible financial benefits (savings) are obtained by extending the durability of the wheel rim and rail, and, through extended periods of wheel set reprofiling, we significantly reduce operating costs. Solid lubricants (lubricating sticks) intended for the lubrication of railway wheel flanges must meet the requirements specified in the PN-EN 15427-2-1:2022 standard. Annex H. The wear patterns were observed and analyzed using both optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The test results indicate that graphite is characterized by the lowest and most stable coefficient of friction over time, which makes it the most effective lubricant in terms of friction reduction. Soybean grease also shows stability and a low level of friction, but with a slight increase in value over a longer period of time. However, grease containing molybdenum disulfide, despite its initial effectiveness, loses its lubricating properties over time, resulting in a significant increase in friction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tribological and Other Functional Properties of Materials)
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14 pages, 6899 KiB  
Article
Impact of hBN Content on the Tribological Behavior and Thermal Diffusivity of HVOF-Sprayed Cr3C2-NiCr Coatings
by Julian Eßler, Dino Woelk, Ion-Dragos Utu and Gabriela Marginean
Materials 2024, 17(22), 5470; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17225470 - 9 Nov 2024
Viewed by 830
Abstract
Considering the significant health risks posed by hard chrome plating during its application, thermally sprayed Cr3C2-NiCr cermet coatings represent a suitable alternative. Incorporating hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) as a dry lubricant into the feedstock powder can further enhance wear [...] Read more.
Considering the significant health risks posed by hard chrome plating during its application, thermally sprayed Cr3C2-NiCr cermet coatings represent a suitable alternative. Incorporating hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) as a dry lubricant into the feedstock powder can further enhance wear resistance and thermal conductivity, crucial for preventing premature failure caused by inadequate lubrication. In this study, the mass fraction of hBN was varied between 0 and 15 wt.% to assess its influence on the tribological performance of the coatings using pin-on-disk tests. The coating’s hardness was measured via the Vickers method, and its cracking tendency at the coating/substrate interface was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to analyze the microstructure and phase composition, while thermal diffusivity was determined using the laser flash method. The findings revealed that the inclusion of hBN, at concentrations of up to 10 wt.%, leads to an improvement in thermal diffusivity and a reduction in the coefficient of friction. However, exceeding this threshold leads to a decrease in hardness and increased crack formation tendency, highlighting the trade-off between frictional and mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tribological and Other Functional Properties of Materials)
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21 pages, 8600 KiB  
Article
Influence of Detonation Spraying Parameters on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hydroxyapatite Coatings
by Zhuldyz Sagdoldina, Marcin Kot, Daryn Baizhan, Dastan Buitkenov and Laila Sulyubayeva
Materials 2024, 17(21), 5390; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215390 - 4 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1035
Abstract
The process of osteointegration depends significantly on the surface roughness, structure, chemical composition, and mechanical characteristics of the coating. In this regard, an important direction in the development of medical materials is the development of new techniques of surface modification and the creation [...] Read more.
The process of osteointegration depends significantly on the surface roughness, structure, chemical composition, and mechanical characteristics of the coating. In this regard, an important direction in the development of medical materials is the development of new techniques of surface modification and the creation of bioactive ceramic coatings. Calcium-phosphate materials based on hydroxyapatite have been proposed as bioactive ceramic coatings on titanium implants for the effective acceleration of bone tissue healing. To obtain bioactive ceramic coatings, pulse power sources are best suited, namely detonation spraying, in which the energy of the explosion of gas mixtures is used as a source of pulse action. The pulse mode of operation in the detonation spraying method is preferable for the formation of bioactive ceramic coatings. It provides a high velocity of hydroxyapatite particles, which promotes their effective fixation on the titanium substrate, while minimizing the heating of the material. This approach preserves the substrate structure and improves the coating adhesion. Four different types of coatings with varying O2/C2H2 molar ratios, ranging from 2.6 to 3.7, were obtained using detonation spraying. Powders and obtained coatings of hydroxyapatite were studied by Raman spectroscopy and XRD structural analysis. The results of XRD phase analysis showed the partial conversion of the hydroxyapatite phase to the α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) phase during the detonation spraying process. The results obtained by Raman spectroscopy indicate that hydroxyapatite is the main phase in coatings. All hydroxyapatite-based coatings exhibited hydrophobic properties, which was confirmed by contact-angle values above 90° in wettability tests, characteristic of hydrophobic surfaces. The adhesive strength of the coatings was measured by the scratch test method. Tribological tests were conducted using the ball-on-disk method under both dry conditions and in Ringer’s solution. This approach enabled the evaluation of wear resistance and friction coefficient of the coatings in different environments, simulating both lubrication-free conditions and those resembling physiological environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tribological and Other Functional Properties of Materials)
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24 pages, 8184 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Analysis of Friction and Energy Losses in Hydrogen and CNG Fueled Engines: Implications on the Top Compression Ring Design Using Steel, Cast Iron, and Silicon Nitride Materials
by Vasiliki-Ioanna Nikolopoulou, Anastasios Zavos and Pantelis Nikolakopoulos
Materials 2024, 17(15), 3806; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153806 - 1 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1536
Abstract
Optimizing the design of the top compression ring holds immense importance in reducing friction across both traditional Internal Combustion (IC) engines and hybrid power systems. This study investigates the impact of alternative fuels, specifically hydrogen and CNG, on the behavior of top piston [...] Read more.
Optimizing the design of the top compression ring holds immense importance in reducing friction across both traditional Internal Combustion (IC) engines and hybrid power systems. This study investigates the impact of alternative fuels, specifically hydrogen and CNG, on the behavior of top piston rings within internal combustion (IC) engines. The goal of this approach is to understand the complex interplay between blow-by, fuel type, material behavior, and their effects on ring friction, energy losses, and resulting ring strength. Two types of IC engines were analyzed, taking into account flow conditions derived from in-cylinder pressures and piston geometry. Following ISO 6622-2:2013 guidelines, thick top compression rings made from varying materials (steel, cast iron, and silicon nitride) were investigated and compared. Through a quasi-static ring model within Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), critical tribological parameters such as the minimum film and ring friction were simulated, revealing that lighter hydrogen-powered engines with higher combustion pressures could potentially experience approximately 34.7% greater power losses compared to their heavier CNG counterparts. By delving into the interaction among the fuel delivery system, gas blow-by, and material properties, this study unveils valuable insights into the tribological and structural behavior of the top piston ring conjunction. Notably, the silicon nitride material demonstrates promising strength improvements, while the adoption of Direct Injection (DI) is associated with approximately 10.1% higher energy losses compared to PFI. Such findings carry significant implications for enhancing engine efficiency and promoting sustainable energy utilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tribological and Other Functional Properties of Materials)
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15 pages, 18031 KiB  
Article
Tribological Research of Resin Composites with the Fillers of Glass Powder and Micro-Bubbles
by Juozas Padgurskas, Vitoldas Vilčinskas, Muhammad Ibnu Rashyid, Muhammad Akhsin Muflikhun, Raimundas Rukuiža and Aušra Selskienė
Materials 2024, 17(15), 3764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153764 - 31 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1195
Abstract
This study investigates the tribological properties of resin composites reinforced with the fillers of glass powder and micro-bubbles. Resin composites were prepared with varying concentrations from 1% to 5% wt of fillers. Tribological tests were conducted using a block-on-ring scheme under dry friction [...] Read more.
This study investigates the tribological properties of resin composites reinforced with the fillers of glass powder and micro-bubbles. Resin composites were prepared with varying concentrations from 1% to 5% wt of fillers. Tribological tests were conducted using a block-on-ring scheme under dry friction conditions. The measurements of friction coefficient and wear values were performed under variable rotation speeds and loading conditions. The study showed that resin composites with 2–3% glass powder fillers and resin composites with 3–4% micro-bubbles exhibited optimal tribological properties. The resin glass powder modifications reduce the wear by 63% and resin micro-bubbles reduce wear by 32%. SEM analysis of the surfaces revealed surface imperfections and structural damage mechanisms, including abrasive and fatigue wear. The study concludes that specific filler concentrations improve the friction and wear resistance of resin composites, highlighting the importance of material preparation and surface quality in tribological performance. The increased wear resistance on both composites would hopefully expand the usage of additive manufactured composite, namely industrial moving components such as polymer gear, wheel, pulley, etc. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tribological and Other Functional Properties of Materials)
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