Page 62 - brochure-30ingmo-stampa-definitiva

Research activity
Tribology and Surface Engineering
Research activity
The research group on tribology and surface
engineering deals with inorganic coatings by
thermal spraying and physical/chemical vapour
deposition (PVD/CVD), and with the wear and
friction performance of materials. The group is
equipped with various tribometers, including
some operating at high temperatures, and a
HVOF thermal spray system.
Impact on society
The group has contributed to the
development/optimization of a wide
range of materials and coatings which are
currently in industrial use for wear and
friction control. The pilot plant for HVOF
thermal spraying allows the production
of prototypes under industrial conditions,
which facilitates technological transfer.
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Context and motivation of the
research
Friction and wear are significant sources of energy
loss and prime causes of failure of many engineering
components. Unfortunately, due to their complexity,
these system-related phenomena are still not
completely understood; hence, research on the topic is
of particular relevance. Coatings are among the most
effective means to control them.
National and international
academic relationships regarding
the activity
Many research activities have been carried out in
cooperation with a wide range of academic and/
or industrial partners, including some important EU
research centres such as the University of Stuttgart
(Germany), the University of Tampere (Finland), the
Fraunhofer IWS Institute (Dresden, Germany), the
University West (Trollhättan, Sweden), etc.