Metodologias de ensaios de lubricidade: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

Since man began to use surfaces with relative movement and contact, he has been researching methods to reduce friction and, consequently, wear. Always in search of the greatest reduction of friction, researchers have been working on the development of new technologies capable of reducing wear, and at the same time, allowing sustainable development. Among ways of friction-reducing, lubricants, greases, surface treatment, coatings, and additives can be highlighted. However, for new products such as biolubricants, biofuels, and additives to be applied to the market, it is necessary to carry out tests to assess the tribological properties in the desired applications. Due to the existence of several tribological tests, the researcher must select the experiment that best suits his needs and choose the parameters that resemble the required application. Misinterpretations of the results may occur due to the wrong choice of method. So, the paper presents a review of the main tribology tests used, showing their purposes and main parameters evaluated, thus allowing the reader to know the fundamentals of lubrication and lubricity tests.