25th International Colloquium Tribology
Industrial and Automotive Lubrication
After the colloquium is before the colloquium! We are already planning the 25th edition of the International Tribology Colloquium in 2026. Don't miss out on this anniversary event and make a note of the date today! You can expect cutting-edge presentations from various fields of tribology, an interesting supporting program and many opportunities to meet colleagues from all over the world.
Presentation topics can be submitted from January 2025. The final program will be published here in summer 2025.
Impressions of the 24th International Colloquium Tribology 2024
We would like to thank all participants and contributors for their attendance. Your support and commitment, whether you gave a lecture, worked on the program committee, looked after a stand in the exhibition or ensured that everything ran smoothly as a TAE employee, made the colloquium a successful and unforgettable event! We look forward to experiencing the 25th ICT 2026 with you!
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Contributions from research, industry and practice
Review - Program of the 24th International Colloquium Tribology 2024
Here you can find the detailed program of the 24th International Colloquium Tribology 2024! Find out about the main topics, lectures and participating speakers.
Daily programs of the conference 2024
Our speaker highlights 2024
Dr. Nick Garabedian, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), GER
The Data Science Frontier in Tribology
Tribologists across career stages face uncertainty when it comes to integrating digitalization and data science into their practices. Embracing data science's potential is vital for the field's future and societal value but the absence of a clear digitalization roadmap hinders the seamless transition from research to application.
This presentation will outline tribology's distinct digitalization challenges and showcase strategies which tackle these obstacles through sustainable data production with the aim of unraveling the complexities of sliding interfaces.
Professor Hong Liang, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
Dynamic Properties of Lubricants for Electric Vehicles
To take on the current challenges in tribology and lubrication engineering, one of the STLE’s technical areas of interests is electrification. In this presentation, we will start with a brief discussion about emerging issues currently facing, followed by detailed discussion of properties and performance of lubrications used in electric vehicles.
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Lohner, FZG der Technischen Universität München, GER
Towards Superefficiency: Tribology Solutions Shaping Tomorrow’s Gearboxes
Several mechanisms are known to achieve superlubricity, which is related to an ultra-low friction regime with a coefficient of friction less than 0.01. This presentation discusses the efficiency potential of geared transmissions, when machine elements with rolling-sliding contacts like gearings operate in superlubricity. Primary and secondary effects of superlubricity are quantified in the context of different operating conditions. The term superefficiency is introduced.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Matthias Scherge, Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoffmechanik IWM, Freiburg, GER
Sustainability in Winter Sports - the Tribological Perspective
This paper discusses sustainability challenges in winter sports, particularly focusing on tribology. It examines energy and resource conservation efforts in skiing, bob sledding, and ice hockey. The impact of substitute products on the unique properties of snow and ice for gliding is assessed. Changes in tribological mechanisms when e.g. transitioning from ice to polymer, such as with steel runners, are explained.
Professor Dr. Victoria Van Camp, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, SWE
Minimizing CO2 Emissions and Maximize ROI: Implementing Known Tribology Principles and Design for Zero for a Carbon Neutral Industry
Some 20% of the energy produced today does not generate value but is lost in eg. friction and wear, unrecovered heat, and various electrical losses. Maintenance practices do not include efficiency measures and machinery is generally not designed for easy repair or upgrading. In this talk, we discuss how to improve efficiency and minimize the CO2 impact of industrial equipment, all while lowering total cost of operation.
Main topics 2024 at a glance
Over 3 days, the 24th International Colloquium Tribology presented around 120 contributions from research, industry and practice in 5 parallel sessions and top-class plenary sessions. The event focused on the following main topics:
New trends in lubricants and additives
- Oils and greases
- Additives
- Solid lubricants
- Lubricants and coolants for electrical vehicles
- Hydraulic, turbine and compressor fluids
- Food-grade lubricants
- Complex fluids and rheology
- Alternative fuels
- Standards and specifications
Coatings, surface interactions and underlying mechanisms
- New insights in friction, adhesion and wear mechanisms
- Micro- and nanotribology
- Wear and wear protection
- 2D layered materials
- Lubricating thin films
- Tribochemistry
- Elastohydrodynamic lubrication
- Tribology of polymer and composite materials
- Embedded lubrication in polymer and sintered materials
Machine elements and their application in tribology
- Gears and transmission systems
- Bearings
- Seals
- Clutches
- Fuel-economy of engines and powertrains
- Tribological aspects of electrical drive trains
- Tribology of aircraft components
- Tribology in power systems such as wind turbines
- Machining processes
Computational methods and digital transformation in tribology
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Lifetime and failure prediction models
- Lab-to-field approach
- Digital twins
- Condition-based and predictive maintenance
- Internet of things
- Contact mechanics
- FEM modelling of tribosystems
- Molecular dynamic simulation
- New programming tools for tribology research
Test and measurement methodologies
- Novel measurement techniques
- Online condition monitoring of lubricants and machine components
- Design of experiments in tribology
- Surface characterization
- Particle and contamination identification
- Advanced filtration techniques
- Tracing by radioactive isotopes
- Reliability testing
- Cryotribology
Sustainability and ressource efficiency
- Environmental compatibility
- Life-cycle assessment in tribology
- Circular economy
- Energy efficiency
- CO₂ reduction in engines
- Tribology in hydrogen environment
- Biolubricants
- Water-based lubrication
Recognised experts
Program Committee 2026
The programme committee for the International Colloquium Tribology is composed of recognised experts from research and development, industry and practice. Its tasks include formulating the objectives and determining the main topics of the conference, reviewing and selecting the submitted lecture proposals for the conference programme and providing expert advice to the organiser.
Steering Committee 2026
Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Nicole Dörr
Scientific Head at AC2T research GmbH, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
venia docendi in the field of tribology at TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
President of the Austrian Tribology Society (Österreichische Tribologische Gesellschaft, ÖTG)
Her research work is focused on lubricants and lubrication comprising formulation, assessment and condition monitoring of lubricants and other operating fluids. Long-term behaviour of lubricants is of particular interest providing correlations between lubrication performance (friction, wear) and lubricant chemistry (condition). Bringing together analytical methods (mass spectrometry), molecular dynamics and statistical methods in lubricant chemistry.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Max Marian
Executive Director at Institute for Machine Design and Tribology (IMKT), Leibniz University Hannover, Garbsen, Germany
Professor at Department of Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
Research focus on energy efficiency and sustainability through tribology in machine elements & engine components (especially bearings and seals), biotribology (load-bearing implants), and triboelectric nanogenerators. Emphasis on the development of numerical multiscale tribo-simulation and machine learning approaches as well as the modification of surfaces through micro-texturing and coatings (diamond-like carbon and 2D materials).
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carsten Gachot
Head of the Tribology Research Division
Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development
TU Wien
Since October 2016 Head of the Tribology research area at the Vienna University of Technology in the Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development with a focus on solid lubricants for aerospace applications, 2D materials, tribology of machine elements, computer-aided material tribology and tribochemistry.
Dr. Katharina Völkel
FZG, Technical University of Munich
Head of Department Clutches and Electromechanical Drive Systems
She is responsible for the research area “Clutches and electromechanical drive systems” at the FZG. Among other things, she researches tribological issues in lubricated boundary friction contacts of wet multi-plate clutches and brakes. The reduction of drag losses to improve the efficiency of drivetrains is also an important topic.
Optimal access to participants
Exhibition 2024
Parallel to the 24th ICT an accompanying exhibition took place, where companies presented their products and services. This was an ideal opportunity to present their services to a high-calibre audience of decision-makers, specialists and managers on an area of over 300 m². The spatial connection of the foyer, cafeteria and lecture rooms gave them optimal access to the participants.
Our Exhibitors of 2024
R. Wölfel Analysentechnik GmbH
For over 30 years we serve our customers to find the right instrument to meet their analytical needs. We are mainly focused on lubes, greases and fuels in regard of their tribological as well as their physical properties. We represent various international manufacturers in Germany and provide excellent service for their instruments. Visit us for more information.
i-TRIBOMAT: The European Tribology Centre
We turn your search for advanced materials into a competitive advantage! i-TRIBOMAT GmbH is a new company launched to provide industry with a single-entry point to access services for tribological characterisation of advanced materials, surfaces, and lubricants. i-TRIBOMAT brings together five of the leading tribology laboratories in Europe as regular service providers, making it the largest tribology service provider in the world. Thus, i-TRIBOMAT gathers more than 250 experts and more than 130 tribometers and advanced characterization setups, as well as simulation and modelling tools to predict product performance. i-TRIBOMAT counts with its own online database dedicated to tribology with more than 10.000 records.
For more than 50 years and with almost 500 employees worldwide, the high-tech company Polytec has been developing, producing and selling optical measurement technology for research and industry. This includes systems for vibration measurement, surface characterization, length and speed measurement, process analytics and optical systems. Optical 3D surface measurement systems from Polytec operate in a non-contact and area-based manner in both the micro and macro range. Polytec is also part of the "Fair Data Sheet" initiative and involved in ISO activities for surface metrology.
Optimol Instruments Prüftechnik GmbH
We are the specialist in measuring friction, lubrication, and wear of any machine components or in the simulation of practical applications. For more than 50 years, our experts have been supporting customers from a wide range of industries. With competent consulting and comprehensive services, we are at your side as a reliable partner and problem solver.
Orbis BV is a manufacturer of testing instruments that serve the petro- & chemical industry. With over 40 years of industry experience and a strong focus on research and development, Orbis BV passionately seeks to offer worldwide customers the best products and service available in the market. We make petroleum analyzers that save customers time and money, while producing highly precise, accurate and method-according test results.
Tannas Co. and King Refrigeration (ISO 9001) is a global leader in developing, manufacturing, sales & service of precision laboratory instruments for routine testing and advanced research & development of engine oils, lubricants, and related fluids. We dedicate ourselves to serving our customers — listening carefully to their concerns and needs — responding with intelligent action — transforming their concerns into satisfaction and their needs into mutual opportunities.
Anton Paar develops, manufactures, distributes and provides application know-how, support and service for analytical instruments used in research, development and quality control for laboratory and process applications worldwide. Anton Paar is constantly breaking new ground to combine high-precision engineering with scientific curiosity. Based on decades of experience in the field of tribology, Anton Paar offers the widest range of tribometers on the market. The company is the world market leader in the field of density and concentration measurement, the determination of dissolved CO2 and rheology.
Bruker delivers cutting-edge metrology solutions for the challenging demands of applied research and industrial QA/QC applications. Bruker's mechanical testers and tribometers deliver the most comprehensive and versatile means of investigating tribology - friction, wear, load, and hardness. A wide range of solutions for standard and customized tests, precise characterization of wear on parts enable the precise evaluation of the efficiency and tribological properties of lubricants and additives.
Phoenix Tribology is a world-leading provider of friction and wear test systems designed to help you optimize your products. We are dedicated to helping you achieve success through the application of tribological principles. The company have over 60 years experience in designing and building custom testing solutions, and a wide range of standard designs that can meet your tribo-testing needs.
Thermo Fisher Scientific produces a wide range of instruments for materials analysis. Our range of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy instruments are designed to deliver high quality results, quickly and easily. Systems can be configured with other surface analysis and materials analysis techniques, including Raman spectroscopy to enable maximum understanding with minimum effort. Contact us to learn about our surface analysis products, and the huge range of other instrumentation for materials science, including electron microscopy and molecular spectroscopy.
Vanderbilt Worldwide Limited provide Market Development & Technical service on behalf of Vanderbilt Chemicals LLC across the European, Africa, Middle East & Eastern European Regions.
Vanderbilt Chemicals LLC have been supplying the petroleum industry with lubricants additives for nearly fifty years. They market a wide range of chemical products that improve or enhance the performance characteristics of finished lubricating oils and greases.
Falex Tribology N.V.
Falex Tribology has over 25 years of experience offering standard and customised friction and wear testing, targeted at applications and quality control.
TriboTonic, boasting 20 years of knowledge and expertise in the field, offers a comprehensive range of personalised services including instrument sales, servicing, and support. Within Europe, we act as trusted distributors for Falex, PCS Instruments, and CFR Engines for the IQT.
Centre for Industrial Rheology
The Centre for Industrial Rheology provides rheology, viscosity, interfacial and thermal measurement services for the world's largest automotive and industrial manufacturers. Our clients exploit the material insights we deliver to fast-track R&D, understand their competitors and improve product quality.
Rtec-Instruments develops and manufactures advanced mechanical and surface testing equipment for measurement solutions in research and industrial applications. The range of instruments include:
- Multifunctional Tribometers combined with 3D-profilometer for characterization of friction and wear
- Fretting Testers for characterization of lubricants and greases
- Surface Materials Testers for materials surface characterization (adhesion, hardness, elastic modulus, friction and wear)
Our event partners 2024
Verband Schmierstoff-Industrie e.V.
German Lubricant Manufacturers Association (VSI) is an association of all major manufacturers of automotive and industrial lubricants in Germany. With 84 member companies, VSI represents over 90% of the German lubricant industry. The association's task is to represent and promote the idealistic, economic and technical interests of its members. It represents these interests in particular vis-à-vis public authorities, public corporations and trade associations.
Österreichische Tribologische Gesellschaft (ÖTG)
The Austrian Tribological Society (ÖTG) has been active as a working group for friction, wear and lubrication technology since 1976. It acts as an intermediary between industry and (non-)university research institutions and aims to promote all areas of tribology, including its application in maintenance and quality assurance.
The ELGI was established in May 1989 and is an independent, self-governing institute, financed solely by members. It is one of a group of scientific and technical institutes active in the field of tribology dealing with lubricating greases and associated products. The institute is involved in all aspects of this product group, particularly those concerning the technical, economic, ecological and legislative positions in Europe.
Our media partners 2024
expert verlag is a german specialist publisher for business and technology based in Tübingen. Its focus is on application-oriented continuing education and training for specialists and managers in the fields of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and management.
Lube Magazine is a bi-monthly publication featuring news and technical articles from across the lubricants industry. Lube is published by the UKLA and is the Official Journal of UEIL. It is distributed to readers in over 100 countries and via relevant sector Trade Events.
Lubes'n'Greases is LNG Publishing's flagship, award-winning, independent monthly magazine for and about the global lubricants industry. On the first of every month, print and digital editions deliver hard news, features and informed opinions covering automotive and industrial lubricants, metalworking fluids, greases, base stocks, additives, packaging, biodegradable and synthetic products, companies, people, issues and trends affecting the industry.
F&L Asia Ltd. has been providing world-class fuel and lube industry news and events since 1995. The publication company provides media services to some of the biggest names in the industry and each year produces F+L Week, the industry conference and exhibition premier event.
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CONTRIBUTIONS FROM RESEARCH, INDUSTRY AND PRACTICE
Conference Proceedings 2024
The conference handbook for the 24th International Colloquium Tribology 2024 is available from expert-Verlag, Tübingen.
Choose between the print and digital editions of the conference handbook. If you have any questions or problems activating the digital conference proceedings, please contact the publisher's support team directly, stating your e-mail address and telephone number: support@narr.de or +49 (0) 7071 9797–30.
Print edition
- ISBN 978-3-381-11831-1
- EUR 148.00 (incl. 7 % VAT)
- DIN A4, 280 pages, 4-color with numerous illustrations and tables.
Digital edition
- ISBN 978-3-381-11832-8
- EUR 188.00 (incl. 7 % VAT)
- DIN A4, 280 pages, 4-color with numerous illustrations and tables.
Conference Proceedings 2022
The conference handbook for the 23rd International Colloquium on Tribology is also available from expert-Verlag, Tübingen.