Tribology is a multi-disciplinary field of science and technology dealing with the study of interacting surfaces in relative motion and of related subjects and practices. The term, derived from the Greek word “Tribos” (meaning “Rubbing”), in general denotes the subject of Friction, Lubrication & Wear technology. Over the years, the subject of Tribology came to be recognized as a very important aspect in all industrial operations. The application of correct Tribological practices can protect and enhance the life of plants and machinery, improve efficiency of operations, reduce energy consumption and prevent expensive breakdowns. Friction and wear have a large impact on the four major energy-consuming sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, power generation, and residential buildings. Studies have shown that more than twenty percent of the world’s total energy consumption is due to tribology related issues. New surface materials, surface coatings and lubrication technologies can help to reduce the wear losses and save energy consumption. This in turn will reduce global warming and promote environmental sustainability.

In this special issue of Tribology: Materials, Properties and Processes, we have twenty-six original contributions. The idea of bringing out this special issue came through after conducting the International Conference, TRIBOINDIA 2021 at Saintgits College of Engineering (Autonomous), Kottayam, Kerala, under the aegis of Tribology Society of India (TSI) with the theme “Tribology for Sustainable Environment and Industry 4.0”. The contributing authors of the conference were invited to submit to the journal and after peer-review process, it is gratifying to note that the articles in this issue have covered several aspects of tribology including, tribology of metal matrix composites, epoxy-based nanocomposites and bio-based nanolubricants, wear behaviour of composites and alloys developed through friction stir processing and powder-mixed electric discharge alloying, respectively, and so on. We, as the compiling Guest Editors, strongly believe that this special issue can be an outstanding scholastic information source for both academicians and practicing engineers across the globe in the field of Tribology.

The Guest Editors express our profound gratitude to Tribology Society of India (TSI), Mr. Ajay Kumar Harinarain, Vice President—TSI and Mr. Ashok Mehta, Executive Director—TSI for giving us a marvellous opportunity to host the international conference and the further proceedings. Furthermore, we wish to thank the unconditional support and guidance received from the Management and the Staff of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saintgits College of Engineering, Kottayam, Kerala. Also, we acknowledge our sincere thanks to Prof. (Dr.) Jacob T Varghese, Former Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mr. Philip Jacob Perakathu and Dr. Cherian Paul of Saintgits College of Engineering (Autonomous), for their encouragement, advice and support provided to complete this issue.

We sincerely thank the authors of the contributed technical papers, the reviewers who have helped in improving the quality and technical content of these papers, and the publishing team. Our sincere and very special thanks are due to Prof. (Dr.) B. S. Murty, Former Chief Editor and Dr. SVS Narayana Murty, Chief Editor, Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals for their support and continuous encouragement and for giving this opportunity in editing this special issue. We also thank Dr. Arup Dasgupta, Managing Editor, for his constant support. Our special appreciations are due to the production team of Springer for their dedicated efforts in bringing out this issue.

  • Dr. Chacko Preno Koshy, Saintgits College of Engineering (Autonomous), Kottayam, Kerala

  • Prof. (Dr.) M D Mathew, Saintgits College of Engineering (Autonomous), Kottayam, Kerala

  • Prof. (Dr.) Satish Vasu Kailas, President—TSI, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka