Nanotribology is a branch of tribology which studies friction phenomenon at the nanometer scale (see nanotechnology, nanomechanics). The distinction between nanotribology and tribology is primarily due to the involvement of atomic forces in the determination of the final behavior of the system.

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Tribologically effective coatings based on nanotechnology are behind the term nano tribology, which, for example, has been researched since 2002 pursuant to the EU-promoted research cluster Nanotrib. The aim is to understand the basic principles of tribology in order to enable a systematic development of trbiologically effective surfaces and contact surface systems, and influence such systems in a targeted manner. The modification of surfaces or contact surfaces through nanotechnology, and the fact that tribological effects occur on such thin contact surfaces and surfaces justifies the integration in nano tribology.

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