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5th International Conference of Materials Processing and Characterization (ICMPC 2016)

Role of Green Tribology in Sustainability of Mechanical Systems:

A State of the Art Survey
Ankush Ananda, Mir Irfan Ul Haqa, Karan Vohraa, Ankush Rainaa, M. F. Wanib *
a
School of Mechanical Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K, 182320, India
b
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Kashmir,190006, India

Abstract

This paper presents a review onGreen Tribology, which is relatively a new area of research for tribologists and environmentalists.
An attempt has been made to summarize the fundamentals of this emerging area for its future development. In this article,
various aspects of green tribology from mechanical system point of view have been discussed. The paper is structured to focus on
Sustainability and Energy, Life Cycle Assessment and Lubrication aspects of Green Tribology. The recent advancements in
green tribology to a great extent are expounded in this article. These aspects may lead to a strong foundation of further
developments in the area of green tribology.
2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Conference Committee Members of 5th International Conference of Materials
Processing and Characterization (ICMPC 2016).

Keywords:Green Tribology, Energy, Sustainability, LCA, Lubrication.

1. Introduction

The word Tribology has its roots in the Greek word tribo which means rubbing. It is a branch of science which
deals with surfaces in motion. It was introduced for the first time in 1966 by Prof. H. Peter Jost[1]. Since then, a
number of Tribology based research investigations have been carried out till date and the process is unending. Every

* M. F. Wani. Tel.: +91-880-382-4243.

E-mail address:mfwani@nitsri.net

2214-78532017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Conference Committee Members of 5th International Conference of Materials Processing and
Characterization (ICMPC 2016).
3660 Ankush Anand et al/ / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 36593665

tribological investigation/study is focused on friction, wear, lubrication and adhesion. It also takes into consideration
a greater role of mechanical engineers, materials scientists, chemists and physicists[2, 3]. With these aspects into
consideration, several emerging areas of Tribology have gained the attention of researchers and thus paving a way
forward in nontraditional Tribology areas which include Tribology for energy conservation, environment based
tribology[4]. Tribology- the science of friction, wear and lubrication primarily aims at friction control, wear
reduction and lubrication improvement.

1.1. Green Tribology

During the past few years an emerging area in the field of Tribology with more focus on environment gained the
attention of researchers throughout the globe. This area is known by the term green tribology. Jost who initially
coined the term Tribology in 1966 termed green tribology as the science and technology of tribological aspects of
environmental and biological impacts associated with various tribo systems[5].The green or environment-friendly
tribology deals with interacting surfaces which are in relative motion and takes into consideration
energy/environmental sustainability. It primarily deals with friction and wear, which is a important factor from
energy conservation point of view. It also involves environmental aspects of lubrication and surface-modification
techniques. Green engineering and green chemistry are two closely linked areas of green tribology where the
tribologists are actively engaged.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) defines green engineering as the design, commercialization
and use of processes and products that are technically and economically feasible by reducing causes of pollution and
risks associated with human health and the environment. Green Tribology can be defined as an interdisciplinary area
attributed with wide induction of various concepts such as Energy, Material Science, Green Lubrication and
Environmental Science[6]. Green tribology involves tribology for life (human bio-tribology), biomimetic tribology,
renewable energy tribology, and a part of geotribology. Green tribology could be considered as the science and
technology of research on the tribological theories and technologies and the practices related to a sustainable society
and nature, and might also be termed tribology for sustainability or sustainable tribology.
Being a new field, the understanding of fundamentals of green tribology is essential for future development. It is
an environment friendly and energy saving concept and have a great amount of possibilities of incorporation of
green tribology towards a sustainable society on global scale[7].Professor H P Jost introduced the definition and
main objectives of green tribology at Fourth World Tribology Congress in Kyoto and acknowledged green tribology
as an international concept [5].

1.2. Principles of Green Tribology

While presenting a review on green Tribology it becomes inevitable to have a thorough understanding of basic
fundamentals/principles of green Tribology as proposed by Nasonovskyi and Bhushan[8]. These principles are listed
below:
Minimization of heat and energy dissipation: Since in any system friction leads to heat generation and
which in turn leads to dissipation of energy. The mitigation of pollution by way of heat to the
environment and the energy lost therein is the primary task of the tribologists. Moreover the friction in
mechanical systems which work on friction like clutches and brakes has to be optimized by various
methods.
Minimization of wear: Wear minimization has a close relation with green tribology as the wear leads to
decrease in the lifetime of the components/machine elements which demands recycling/replacement
which in turn leads to environmental degradation by way of the emission/ waste innate to a
recycling/manufacturing process. Moreover the debris created by wear also contributes to the
environmental pollution.
Reduction or Complete Elimination of lubrication and self lubrication: Lubrication leads to the reduction
of friction and wear, hence lubrication is an is a boon for green tribologists but the environmental
hazards posed by the lubricants have led the tribologists to think of materials which are self lubricating
wherein the external supply of lubricants is also obviated.
 Ankush Anand et al/ Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 36593665 3661

Natural Lubrication: Natural oils like can be used in cases possible since they are eco-friendly but food
factor in developing nations.
Bio-degardage Lubrication: Lubricants which are biodegradable can be used when possible to avoid
environmental contamination.
Sustainable Chemistry and Green Engineering Principles
Bio-memetic Approaches: Mimicking nature/ Natural systems since they tend to be more ecologically
friendly

The paper has been structured into three sections to present a review of some of the areas where Green
Tribology has been successfully incorporated. These sections include:

Sustainability and Energy

Green Tribology and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Green Tribology through Lubricants

2. Sustainability and Energy

Sustainability has become a major thrust area for designers and tribologists during the past few decades.
Energy and sustainability are two highly focused areas of research for tribologists and system designers in the
present day scenario. Energy has emerged as a main factor for almost every human activity involving use of
several gadgets in our day to day life. It has significantly influenced the economical, environmental, technical
and social fabric in our activities. The issue of increased carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emission is an
indicator of extensive use of energy in the form of gadgets.
It is the endeavor of the designer to devise strategies by developing systems without affecting the
environment by and large. Minimizing the energy losses on account of friction (wear) which otherwise affect
the potential of systems have gained the attention of researchers during the recent past. A critical analysis of the
technological parameters which have a significant impact on the environment with development of
methodologies to completely eliminate or reduce the severe impacts is another area of concern for
environmentalists, designers and tribologists[9, 10]. Jost reported one of the most prominent investigation in the
area of sustainable Tribology commonly referred as Chinese report. As per the report from Chinese Academy of
Engineering the holistic implementation of Tribology will lead to 1.1 to 1.5% UK (Gross National Product). A
survey of the gross U.S energy consumption in four major areas of transportation, turbomachinery, power
generation and industrial applications have revealed that approximately 11% savings on account of recent
developments in lubrication and Tribology is achieved [11]. Tribology has a huge potential in minimizing
overall global carbon emissions in terms of economic and environmental factors. These factors are a key to
tribological sustainability. Nosonovsky and Bhushan[8]described green Tribology as the science and
technology of tribological aspects of ecological balance and of environmental and biological impacts. The
development and use of biodegradable tribo-materials is a key parameter to sustainability in tribological
applications[12]. Glavatskih[13] carried out a research study on tribotronics. In this research study, the
researcher has highlighted the role of tribotronics approach in the design and development of tribotronic based
systems. Wood et al.[14]investigated the tribological studies on renewable sources of energy. In this study, the
researchers have analyzed wind and tidal turbines. The authors have also highlighted the role of design and
durability for such large scale engineering systems from sustainability point of view.
Howarth and Hadfield[15]proposed a sustainable product design model. In this study, the researchers have
developed a model which assesses the environmental, social and economic impact in the product. Li[16]
presented a study on green waxes, adhesives and lubricants. In this study, the researcher has focused on the role
of these components on environment. The researcher has also emphasized on the design and development of
environmental conscious materials (waxes, adhesives and lubricants) from sustainability point of view.
Novonsky[17]carried out a research study on Tribology taking into consideration the concepts of entropy
including various dissipative friction and wear applications such as adhesion, chemical reaction tribo concepts,
3662 Ankush Anand et al/ / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 36593665

phase transformation, etc. The researcher also highlighted the role of entropic methods in the investigation of
fundamental problems related to friction and wear and also in the design and development of new materials.
Further in order to mitigate the energy losses incurred in engineering applications due to the weight of the
machine parts, tribologists are working towards developing materials with high strength to weight ratio without
compromising the tribological aspects[18, 19].Novonsky and Bhushan[20] introduced a new concept in
tribology by taking into consideration various biological surfaces of biomimetic organisms to analyze the
friction and wear mechanisms. These results also proved helpful in optimizing the energy losses associated with
various industrial applications.

3. Life Cycle Assessment and Green Tribology

A typical tribological system consists of triboelements, like bearings, etc. which transform material,
information and energy by interaction. Tribo-features such as higher wear-resistant materials (ceramics,
composites, cermets, nano-materials, etc.), extended-life lubricants, self-lubricating materials, biodegradable
lubricants, and environment adapted lubricants (EALs) have direct and indirect impact on the LCA of a
tribological system. LCA takes into consideration the environmental issues and potential environmental impact
on a products life cycle from raw material acquisition through production, use, end of life, recycling, and final
disposal[21]. Czichos has shown that various triboelements are in-built in a mechanical system to perform
different functions for attaining desired output. It is a fact that triboelements perform their functions through
transfer of motion, material, and energy apart from affecting the material and energy exchange results in loss
has considerable impact on which performance at operational stage but also has considerable impacts on LCA
of a system[22]. Kato and Ito proposed a model for LCA of triboelements. In this model, the authors have
proposeda tribology-based impact pyramid to find impacts on environment by the triboelements used in
mechanical systems. The pyramid demonstrates a practically useful image of the life cycle tribology (LCT)
[23]. Various tribology survey reports and research studies have concluded that not only energy losses due to
poor friction and wear practices in industry can be reduced by adopting latest innovative and creative tribo-
techniques at design and operational stages of a product[24, 25].
Kalnes et al. performed LCA study of the production of lubricant base oils for regeneration. In this study, it
was observed that regeneration of base oil has less impact on LCA as compared to fresh base oil [26]. Desaki et
al. have worked on the LCA of automotive bearing materials. In this study, the impact of ECO on global
warming was evaluated by treating ECO as an environmental index [27, 28]. Ciantar and Hadfield analysed the
domestic refrigerator for its tribological durability and its impact on environment. The results showed that
refrigerant replacement has a significant role in increasing friction and wear characteristics of triboelements
leading to higher energy consumption[29]. Norrby has discussed various issues related to the development and
use of EALs. It has been envisaged that EALs have been repeatedly heralded as one of the future growth
segments of lubricants to reduce impact on LCA[30]. Clift demonstrated how life-cycle approach helps in
identifying the role of tribology, in improving life of products, reuse of material, and ease of assembly and
disassembly. The autor has highlighted the tribology developments over a period of time having a major role in
conservation of material and energy at the operational stage of systems [31]. Toshi et al. have performed a
research study highlighting the role of tribology in LCA of mechanical system. Moreover, the authors have
advocated the formation of environment management system (EMS)[32]. Wani and Anand suggested a
procedure based on the digraph and matrix method for modeling and evaluation of LCA of a tribo-element[33].
The procedure apart from its application in LCA of triboelements at the operational stage, can also be used for
the design and development of a tribo-element from life cycle point of view. Zhang presented a review of Green
Tribology. In this article the author has focused on fundamentals and future developments in green Tribology.
The author has taken into consideration technological connotations; environmental impact and biological
impact of green Tribology in this research article[6].
 Ankush Anand et al/ Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 36593665 3663

4. Green Tribology and Lubrication

The development of sustainable lubricants in todays tribological environment has caused a significant shift in the
design and use of lubricants for various tribological applications. The use of lubricants in machine components
poses a serious threat to the flora and fauna, as the lubricants disposed to the environment not only contain harmful
toxic waste but also contain the wear debris of the machine parts. Various research studies have been carried out to
mitigate the harmful effects of lubricants during the recent past. Bio lubricants and its additives have emerged as the
potential alternatives which helps in addressing various environmental issues being faced by tribologists worldwide.
Sanchez et. al. carried out an experimental investigation for thickening of vegetable oils used as bio-lubricant and
used chitin, chitosan and acylated derivatives as thickness agents. During this investigation, the authors concluded
that acylated chitosan of 0.3 degree of acylation exhibits traditional lubricant alike properties whereas most of
oleogels generally display poor performance in rolling elements[34]. Souza et. al. carried out a research study of
biofilms in sliding contacts on titanium surface. In this research, the authors recorded very low friction between
samples immersed in artificial slaiva and using alumina as the counterface material in the presence of biofilms[35].
Muller-Zermini B and Goule G presented a lecture on Hydraulic Fluids and their impact on environment. The
authors focused on the on Key criteria for environmental-compatible hydraulic fluids according to norms and
standards, test methods for testing biodegradation, biodegradation in the environment and environmental acceptable
hydraulic fluids[36]. Sustainability diagram for hydraulic fluids and Factorsof Green Tribology (GT) are shown in
fig 1 and fig 2

Fig.1.Sustainability diagram for hydraulic fluids [36] Fig. 2.Factors of Green Tribology (GT)

Winter and coworkers carried out a research study based on the application of ecologically benign lubricants as
cutting fluid and hydraulic fluid. They analyzed the usability and resulting technological and ecological
consequences of water miscible biopolymers as a substitute, and confirmed the good performance of the polymer
fluid as an optimal ecologically benign lubricant for metal processing and hydraulic systems[37] . The use of natural
(e.g. vegetable-oil-based or animal-fat-based) biodegradable lubricants includes oils that are used for engines,
hydraulic applications and metal-cutting applications. Vegetable-oil-based or animal-fat-based lubricants are
potentially biodegradable, although in some cases, chemical modification or additives for best performance are
required. Vegetable oils i.e. corn, soybean and coconut oil, can have excellent lubricity, far superior than that of
mineral oil.
3664 Ankush Anand et al/ / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 36593665

In addition, they have a very high viscosity index and high flash/fire points. However, natural oils often lack
sufficient oxidative stability, which means that the oil will oxidize rather quickly during use, becoming thick and
polymerizing to a plastic-like consistency. Chemical modification of vegetable oils and/or the use of antioxidants
can address this problem (Table 1)[38].

Table 1. The percentage content of CO and CO2 in exhaust gas lubricated with regular and vegetable oil

Oil Sample Engine Oil Coconut Oil Palm Oil

CO2 4.5 2.9 3.4
CO 0.92 0.67 0.73

Self-replenishing lubrication that uses oil-free environmentally benign powders for lubrication of critical
components such as bearings used in fuel cell compressors and expanders[39]. The advantages of gas lubrication has
several advantages, such as high precision, small friction loss, nonpolluting, long life and attractive for high-
temperature applications. Also gas bearing can eliminate the risk of contaminating a process with lubricant.Cong
et.al. carried out a research study based on friction-wear behavior and tribochemical reactions of different ceramics
in HFC-134a gas. In this research, the authors discovered thatthat HFC-134a gas significantly reduces the friction
and wear of all the ceramic couples i.e. ionic ceramics Al2O3 and ZrO2, and the covalent ceramics Si3N4 and SiC
rubbing against an Al2O3 ball, and that the ceramic pairs exhibited lower friction and wear[40]. Sasaki carried out a
research study to determine the potential for process lubrication of ceramics by examinining the friction and wear
behaviour of partially stabilised zirconia in reduced pressure atmospheres containing organic compounds. The
author concluded that benzene and acetone vapors formed sticky reaction products, which reduce the friction and
wear of ZrO2 [41].

Conclusion
Green tribology being a relatively new field finds applications in various tribo systems and also provides a solution
to the issues of energy and environmental pollution from a global perspective. The wide range of green tribology
applications paves the way for tribology researchers to carry out tribological investigations aimed at mitigating the
issues of the society by and large. The article throws light on the role of three main interdisciplinary components viz.
LCA, Sustainable Lubrication and Energy in the emerging field of green tribology. There is a need for tribologists to
collaborate towards the development and application of Green Tribology.

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