Honor Powrie pays tribute to the work of tribologists – the unsung heroes of science and engineering who literally help keep the world moving

Smooth operator The main aim of tribology is to minimize friction and wear between moving parts, which involves a knowledge of both materials and lubrication. (Courtesy: Shutterstock/Phonpheth phiaphakdy)"> Smooth operator The main aim of tribology is to minimize friction and wear between moving parts, which involves a knowledge of both materials and lubrication. (Courtesy: Shutterstock/Phonpheth phiaphakdy)

I have been involved in tribology for most of my working life, but even today it can feel like a well-kept secret. A highly interdisciplinary field with close ties to materials science, tribology is essentially the science and technology of friction, lubrication and wear between any moving surfaces.…