Solid lubricant coatings: recent developments and future trends

In recent years, great strides have been made in the formulation of solid lubricant coatings for a wide range of industrial applications. These coatings are now available in nano-structured and/or - composite forms to provide better performance and durability even under very severe sliding conditions. By coupling these coatings with smart surface engineering strategies ( such as micro-texturing and/or - patterning), researchers have achieved higher levels of performance and durability in demanding tribological applications. Some of these advanced coatings are now commercially available and can meet the ever-increasing performance and durability requirements of severe tribological applications. This paper will provide a historical overview of recent developments in solid lubricant coatings and will expand on the lubrication mechanisms of both traditional and new solid lubricants. Special emphasis will be placed on modern practices that are aimed at enhancing the properties of these coatings and expanding their uses in practical applications.