RESEARCH

Development of Environmentally Friendly Tribological System

RESEARCH OUTLINE

We are developing an environmentally friendly tribosystem that combines DLC coating with biodegradable lubricants. DLC offers high hardness, low friction, and excellent wear resistance, and by optimizing its interaction with lubricants, we achieve reduced friction and enhanced durability. Meanwhile, biodegradable lubricants reduce environmental impact and contribute to the establishment of sustainable tribology technologies. This research aims to control the surface properties of DLC coatings while maximizing their synergistic effects with biodegradable lubricants, ultimately establishing a high-efficiency, low-environmental-impact friction and wear control technology.

POINT

The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are international goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aiming for achievement by 2030. They consist of 17 goals and 169 targets, covering areas such as poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, and environmental protection. Based on the principle of "leaving no one behind," they highlight universal challenges that all countries, including developed nations, must address. Governments, businesses, and civil society work together toward achieving a sustainable society, with the SDGs serving as a guiding framework for action.

TOPIC 1 : Design of anti-bacterial and anti-viral surface

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on daily life, highlighting the need for advanced countermeasures against future bacterial and viral threats. Since many mechanical components are frequently touched by multiple users, there is a growing demand for a shift towards "post-pandemic mechanical coatings" that integrate both high hygiene and superior mechanical properties. By designing surfaces that achieve this balance, we aim to contribute to the future blueprint of a with-COVID society from an engineering perspective.

TOPIC 2 : Green tribology

In Japan’s Green Growth Strategy, which aims to achieve a carbon-neutral society by 2050, improving energy efficiency and extending the lifespan of mechanical components are critical technological challenges. Additionally, from an environmental perspective, efforts are underway to reduce the use of extreme pressure additives in lubricants and greases for sliding components and cutting processes, as well as the solvents used for cleaning them. Through the development of environmentally friendly green tribology technologies utilizing biodegradable lubricants, we strive to contribute to the realization of a sustainable future society.

TOPIC 3 : Tribology of construction machinery

In the industrial sector, the development of low-torque components that contribute to CO₂ reduction is gaining attention as part of efforts to achieve a sustainable society. For example, recent improvements in automotive fuel efficiency have been largely driven by advancements in low-friction technology, achieving a 15% increase in fuel efficiency over the past 20 years. In the industrial machinery sector, low-dust bearings with a friction coefficient reduced by 50% compared to conventional counterparts have been developed, enabling the miniaturization and increased output of servo motors. By applying ultra-hard three-dimensional DLC coatings to such mechanical components, we anticipate further improvements in efficiency, miniaturization, and weight reduction, significantly contributing to energy savings across industries. This research is conducted in collaboration with the Komatsu Innovative Technology Co-Creation Research Institute at the Institute for New Industrial Creation, Institute of Science.

Google Sites

Report abuse