Tribology, the science that deals with the phenomena of friction, wear and lubrication in moving systems, is of crucial importance for numerous technical applications. As an internationally recognised centre of excellence for tribology, the COMET centre AC2T research GmbH (AC2T) based in Wiener Neustadt pursues a holistic approach that links various scientific disciplines, in particular physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, materials science and data science. This enables the development of comprehensive solutions in the areas of friction optimisation, wear protection and lubricant application. These solutions are successfully implemented in industry to increase the reliability and service life of products, among other things. The COMET centre was recently extended for another 5 years after a positive interim evaluation by the Ministry of Climate Protection and the Ministry of Economics.
In order to remain successful in international competition, AC2T continuously monitors trends in tribology research and development (R&D). This also includes a regular international comparison based on key output figures. AIT Innovation Systems and Policy has therefore been conducting benchmarking and content trend analyses in the field of international tribology research in cooperation with AC2T for many years, each of which is adapted to the specific relevant issues of the given funding period.
"The aim is to map international R&D networks in tribology, to compare important players by means of key figures and to identify relevant new emerging technologies," says project manager Andrea Kasztler. This year, the content focus was also on the new infrastructure at AC2T: high-resolution mass spectrometry, 5D visualisation and X-ray analytics. Scientific publications from the Web of Science, as well as European R&D projects and patents funded by the EU Framework Programme were used as a data basis.
Based on the systematic characterisation of general and specific trends in tribology topics and collaborations, AC2T will gain relevant information to support future research strategy decisions.