Bioinspiration for Tribological Systems on the Micro- and Nanoscale: Dynamic, Mechanic, Surface and Structure Related Functions

Tribology deals with parts in relative motion, and related friction, adhesion, lubrication and wear phenomena. With our devices getting smaller and smaller, our understanding of tribology on the small scale has to increase. Microand nanotribology denotes tribology performed with microand nanotechnological instruments. This field is still in a developmental stage, and establishing the relation and interdependence between tribological knowledge and understanding on the macro-, microand nanoscales is a hot topic of research. Because of scaling and other issues, we cannot directly translate long-established tribological facts to small-scale technologies. However, we can immediately benefit from input concerning established ‘best practice’ systems in nature: organisms. Biological microand nanosystems show interesting tribological features, and furthermore can teach us novel aspects and possible approaches concerning our emerging technology that would not readily come to mind here lies their enormous innovation potential. This manuscript introduces a new way to analyse best practice biological materials, structures and processes that were established via the biomimicry innovation method, by relating them to four main areas relevant for MEMS and related microsystems development: dynamic, mechanical, surface and structure related functions. Four representative examples for each of these four areas are presented, along with generated process and product ideas, in the concept stage or already on the market. Furthermore, this manuscript introduces reasons for a balanced mixture of problem-oriented and solution-oriented biomimetics innovation methods regarding tribology in technical microand nanotribological devices that ensures maximum benefit regarding revenue, innovation and sustainability.