Nanotribology

Nanotribology
The term tribology is derived from the Greek word "tribo" meaning rubbing and "logy" meaning knowledge. Nanotribology is a branch of tribology which studies friction phenomenon at the nanometer scale. Nanotribology is the study of friction/wear at atomic length and time scales. Nanotribology and tribology is primarily differentiated by the involvement of atomic forces.

Friction can be reduced by Gears, bearings, and liquid lubricants. The origin of friction for small devices such as micro- or nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) require other solutions.
Liquid lubricants become too viscous when confined in layers of molecular thickness.

Superlubricity and thermolubricity reduceses the friction.The future of nanotechnology depends on advancements in nanotribology. Micromachines or nanomachines with moving parts are not commercially available because small frictional forces are enough to destroy the tiny machines within the first few hours/days of operation.