Discover tribology in lubricants: the science that extends the life of your engine

From our ancestors rubbing stones to create fire to the sophisticated engines that power our vehicles, friction has been a constant throughout human history. The need to understand and control this phenomenon is what explains the origin of tribology: the science of studying friction on all surface types. 

In the field of lubricants, tribology tries to minimize friction in a vehicle or machine’s engine. In this way, the wear and tear of all mechanical elements is greatly reduced, extending their useful life and improving performance and efficiency. 

The first steps of tribology date back to prehistoric times, when friction was used to make fire or create tools. However, it was during the Renaissance when people began to look for ways to reduce friction to facilitate movement.  Later, the Industrial Revolution would mark a turning point, with the development of increasingly complex machines that required efficient lubrication. 

Then, after World War II, tribology became even more relevant, as the demands on engines increased, having to withstand higher loads, speeds, and temperatures. That made friction and wear and tear a critical problem for all types of vehicles and machinery.

Today, this field of study faces even greater challenges that are crucial for the automotive industry, such as reducing fuel consumption and, in turn, minimizing polluting emissions. That is why it is worth remembering that more than 20% of the world's energy is used to overcome friction, a figure that highlights the importance of research in this area. 

Without going into too much detail, in an internal combustion engine, friction is responsible for significant energy losses. In this way, tribology allows innovation and development in lubricant formulation to minimize these losses and optimize performance, adjusting the viscosity of the oil, using high quality bases or adding additives.

The surfaces of mechanical components, with their different roughness, textures, and coatings, are another key factor in lubrication, as reducing their wear and tear helps extend the engine’s useful life. In fact, just two decades ago, the surface finishes of engines were less precise, which meant longer running-in times and kilometers. Technology has improved since then, but the interaction between surfaces and lubricant remains a crucial aspect.

At Repsol, the search for high-quality lubrication is based on rigorous tests that replicate real operating engine conditions. We use tribometers such as the MTM (Mini Traction Machine), the MPR (Micro-Pitting Rig), and the HFRR (High Frequency Reciprocating Rig) to simulate different types of contact and operating conditions. These tests allow us to evaluate the performance of different lubricant bases, additives, and friction modifiers, optimizing our products’ formulation.

Tribology, in short, is the silent driver that enables innovation in lubricants. Thanks to research in this field, at Repsol, we can develop lubricants that not only protect the engine, but also contribute to its efficiency.