SUPERLUBRICITY: Friction's vanishing act

Friction and wear affect almost all moving mechanical systems. By some estimates, nearly a quarter of the world's energy output is spent in overcoming friction.(1) About 70% of equipment failures are in some way attributable to wear and fatigue. Granted, strong friction forces are sometimes needed; brakes, tires, and continuously variable transmissions, for example, couldn't operate without them. But in many cases, alleviating friction would save energy, help the environment, and boost productivity.