Friction properties of ion-beam modified materials: Where can we search for practical applications of ion implantation?

The advantages of the use of ion implantation for friction reduction are discussed. As friction is a surface-related phenomenon, low penetration depth, a major drawback of this technique, is not disadvantageous characteristics and in some cases can even become mandatory condition for friction reduction. In general, the implantation fluences required for friction decrease are much lower than those needed for wear improvement. Ion implantation leads to reduction of friction of various materials offering interesting applications mainly related to energy saving, elimination of environmentally harmful wastes and design of advanced “smart” materials. It seems thus that the search for new markets for ion implantation cannot neglect friction-related applications. Selected methods of friction reduction are presented and mechanisms leading to friction decrease are discussed on case-study examples.