Friction and the interaction of surfaces can usually be felt at the scale of the contacting bodies. Indeed, phenomena such as the frictional resistance or the occurrence of wear can be observable with plain eye, but to characterize them and in order to make a prediction, a more detailed understanding at smaller scales is often required. These can include individual roughness peaks or single molecule interactions. In this Research Topic, we have gathered a collection of articles representing the state of the art in tribology’s endeavor to bridge the gap between nano scale elementary research and the macroscopic behavior of contacting bodies. These articles showcase the breadth of questions related to the interaction of micro and macro scale and give examples of successful transfer of insights from one to the other. We are delighted to present this Research Topic to the reader with the hope that it will further inspire and stimulate research in the field.

This 21st Century Nanoscience Handbook will be the most comprehensive, up-to-date large reference work for the field of nanoscience. Handbook of Nanophysics, by the same editor, published in the fall of 2010, was embraced as the first comprehensive reference to consider both fundamental and applied aspects of nanophysics. This follow-up project has been conceived as a necessary expansion and full update that considers the significant advances made in the field since 2010. It goes well beyond the physics as warranted by recent developments in the field. Key Features: Provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date large reference work for the field. Chapters written by international experts in the field. Emphasises presentation and real results and applications. This handbook distinguishes itself from other works by its breadth of coverage, readability and timely topics. The intended readership is very broad, from students and instructors to engineers, physicists, chemists, biologists, biomedical researchers, industry professionals, governmental scientists, and others whose work is impacted by nanotechnology. It will be an indispensable resource in academic, government, and industry libraries worldwide. The fields impacted by nanoscience extend from materials science and engineering to biotechnology, biomedical engineering, medicine, electrical engineering, pharmaceutical science, computer technology, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, food science, and beyond.

This up-to-date reference is the most comprehensive summary of the field of nanoscience and its applications. It begins with fundamental properties at the nanoscale and then goes well beyond into the practical aspects of the design, synthesis, and use of nanomaterials in various industries. It emphasizes the vast strides made in the field over the past decade – the chapters focus on new, promising directions as well as emerging theoretical and experimental methods. The contents incorporate experimental data and graphs where appropriate, as well as supporting tables and figures with a tutorial approach.

Tribology has rapidly expanded in recent years as the demand for improved materials has increased. The good function of numerous electrical, electrochemical, mechanical, and biological systems or components depends on suitable friction, lubrication, and wear as well as tribological values. In this context, the study of friction, wear, and lubrication is of tremendous pragmatic importance. The reduction of friction and loss of materials in relative motion are important challenges to improveing energy efficiency. This book guides the rational design of material for technological application. Chapters cover topics such as the resistance of dry abrasive wear, the role of a brand-new additive in the minimization of friction and wear, the structural-energy model of elastic-plastic deformation, the influence of micro-abrasive wear modes, tribological characteristics of magneto-rheological fluids (MRFs) and magneto-rheological elastomers (MREs), and different treatment technologies to improve tribological properties, among others.

The proceedings collect invited and contributed papers from more than 150 scientists and engineers worldwide which provide an up-to-date overview of the current research on friction and wear, including new systematic approaches as well as innovative technical solutions.

Microscopic Aspects of Adhesion and Lubrication