Studies

Friction is important to various processes in organisms, biomedical and mechanical devices and elsewhere. Often friction is undesirable, especially when it results in wear. In the contact zone between moving surfaces many chemical transformations take place, whose course is dictated by surface properties, lubricant nature, movement trajectory, velocity, load, temperature, etc. Therefore, the most effective methods to reduce friction and wear are based on chemical principles. During the graduate studies chemical and tribological transformations will be investigated on bioceramic and metal surfaces, focusing on influence of lipid-like materials and their degradation on friction. Established relationships will be used to develop nanostructured coatings, lubricants and other innovative products. Opportunity to join Horizon 2020 project TERMINUS (814400) and partner activities might be available. Knowledge of organic or inorganic chemistry, material science, nanotechnology or bioengineering would be beneficial.