Current research on the design, properties and applications of tribological materials: a review

The development of novel materials with excellent wear resistance and anti-friction properties has become a prominent focus of research. The design and fabrication of such materials is expected to make a significant contribution to energy conservation; they may reduce energy losses caused by friction and wear by approximately 40%. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in tribological materials in terms of design, properties, and applications. It first summarizes the design strategies of tribological materials from two aspects: surface engineering and matrix strengthening. Subsequently, it explores the relationship between the wear resistance of materials and intrinsic properties such as hardness, stiffness, strength, and cyclic plasticity. Furthermore, it introduces the application of tribological materials in aerospace components, automotive parts, wind turbines, micro-/nano-electromechanical systems, atomic force microscopes, and biomedical devices. Finally, the paper discusses future challenges and potential development directions in this critical research area.