Introduction Tribological systems, which involve the control and understanding of friction, wear, and lubrication, are key enablers of mechanical efficiency and durability across industrial sectors (Gesellschaft für Tribologie e.V 2002). From rotating machinery to transport systems, tribological optimization has the potential to significantly reduce energy losses, extend component lifespans, and improve product performance (Woydt et al. 2019; Woydt et al. 2021; Woydt et al. 2023). Considering rising environmental and economic demands, such as energy efficiency, resource conservation, and life-cycle cost reduction, interest in tribology as a strategic lever for industrial optimization is growing. Despite this growing awareness, tribological solutions often remain underutilized in practice. While technical innovations in coatings, materials, and lubrication systems continue to advance, their systematic integration into industrial design, production, and maintenance routines lags. This indicates a gap between research-driven innovation and real-world application and raises important questions: What is the current state of tribological practice in industry? What are the main barriers to broader implementation? Where should future research efforts be focused to accelerate progress? To address these questions, an expert survey was conducted in the context of the 65 th Tribology Conference of the German Society for Tribology (German: Gesellschaft für Tribologie, GfT) and the accompanying research initiative EE4InG2. The joint project EE4InG2 serves as an accompanying research project to the Research Network on Industry and Commerce (Forschungsnetzwerk Industrie und Gewerbe). Its core objective is the scientific cross-evaluation of applied energy efficiency research and funding within the Federal Energy Research considering past developments, the current state, and future perspectives. This program is commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). A further aim is to foster exchange among key actors of the innovation system - industry, science, and policy - through a coordination office established within the project. Building on the groundwork of the preceding project EE4InG, the initiative continues to support networking, research activities, and the dissemination of results. This paper presents and analyzes the findings of the expert survey, highlighting perceived opportunities, limitations, and strategic research needs for tribological technologies in industry. Methodology The survey was introduced during the 65 th Tribology Conference organized by the German Society for Tribology (GfT) in 2024. It targets experts and stakeholders from fields such as industry, academia, public instituti- Science and Research 27 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Key Survey Results on Tribological Optimization Opportunities, Barriers, and Research Needs Juliane Heydemann, Emil Elbæk, Thomas Lohner* Presented at GfT Conference 2025 This article presents the key results of an expert survey conducted as part of the 65 th GfT Tribology Conference in 2024. The survey investigates opportunities and barriers to tribological optimization in industrial practice, as well as perceived research needs in the field. A total of 46 fully completed responses are evaluated. The findings show a high potential for tribological methods to improve energy efficiency and extend service life of components. However, respondents also identified significant knowledge gaps, organizational barriers, and a lack of education and awareness that currently hinder broader implementation. The article concludes with concrete suggestions for future research directions and educational initiatives. Keywords Tribology, Industrial Optimization, Survey, Energy Efficiency, Barriers, Research Needs, Engineering Practice Abstract * M. Sc. Juliane Heydemann M. Sc. Emil Elbæk ETA-Solutions GmbH Darmstädter Str. 239, 64625 Bensheim, Deutschland Dr.-Ing. Thomas Lohner Forschungsstelle für Zahnräder und Getriebesysteme (FZG), Technische Universität München (TUM) Boltzmannstraße 15, 85748 Garching bei München prises (41 %), followed by representatives from consulting services, public sector organizations, and other professional domains (see Figure 1). Q2 - Q5: Industrial sector. Among industry respondents, mechanical engineering is the dominant sector (53 %), followed by vehicle manufacturing (42 %) and metal industry (37 %). The chemical industry accounts for 16 %, while plastics and rubber, glass and ceramics, and food/ feed industry each represent 5 % (see Figure 2). Multiple responses were allowed. The high participation from the mechanical engineering and automotive sectors indicates that the topic of tribology plays an above-average important role in these industries. Beyond the sectoral distribution, an even clearer pattern is evident at the functional level: 95 % of industry respondents are employed in research and development, whereas 5 % are engaged in marketing and communications (see Figure 3, left). No responses are recorded for other operational roles such as production or quality management. In the industrial sector 63 % of the participants identify as manufacturers of products/ solutions for tribological system optimization, while 37 % are users of such solutions (see Figure 3, right). Among the industrial respondents, 84 % work in companies developing products with tribological requirements. Of these, 37 % focus on manufacturing tribologically optimized materials or coatings, 32 % are active in lubricant development, and 26 % are involved in designing tribological components such as bearings or seals, as well as in consulting and process optimization. Maintenance and servicing of equipment with tribological components account for 16 %, while 5 % provide testing services and procedures for tribological systems (see Figure 4). Of all respondents, 94 % report possessing good knowledge and practical experience in tribology, with 24 % even rating their expertise as very good and comprehensive. Combined with the fact that participants are expli- Science and Research 28 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 ons, and technical consulting and focuses on tribological technologies in industrial applications. A total of 108 responses were received, with 46 fully completed and included in the final evaluation. The questionnaire comprises 21 questions and is designed to be completed in approximately 15 minutes. Conditional logic is used in several sections to tailor follow-up questions based on earlier responses. The questionnaire consisted of four thematic blocks: • Participant background, • Opportunities for tribological optimization, • Barriers to implementation and • Research needs. The key findings from the 21 questions, labeled Q1 through Q21, are presented below. A complete version of the questionnaire can be found in the appendix. The evaluation is carried out using standard statistical methods. The results of the single and multiple-choice questions are given as percentages, whereby the percentages refer to the proportion of the respective answer categories in the total number of answers given to a question. The exact number of responses is indicated separately in each case. Responses to free-text questions are presented in a clear, listed form. Results This section presents the results of the four main subchapters, following the structure of the survey: background information, opportunities, barriers, and future research needs. 1 Background Information Q1: Participant background information. Participants represented a broad cross-section of relevant stakeholder groups in the tribology field. The largest proportion of respondents comes from academia and research institutions (46 %) and industrial and commercial enter- 𝑛 1 =46 4 1 % 4 6 % 9 % 2 % 2 % Industry and manufacturing Academic research and education Consulting and services Public sector and government agencies Others Figure 1: Participant background information (Q1) citly selected based on their domain expertise, the survey can therefore be classified as an expert survey (cf. Häder, 2014). 2 Opportunities for Tribological Optimization To identify and assess the opportunities for tribological optimization, the survey includes a series of targeted questions addressing the most significant perceived benefits (Q7), current and future final energy consumption saving potentials across different industrial sectors (Q8.1 and Q8.2), current and future economic potentials by sectors (Q9.1 and Q9.2), current and future final energy consumption saving potentials in mobility applications (Q10.1 and Q10.2), as well as untapped application areas (Q11), potentials in familiar production processes (Q12), and tribology-related innovations implemented or under preparation (Q13). The corresponding results are presented in the following sections. Q7: Greatest benefits of tribological optimization. Respondents see the greatest potential in two primary Science and Research 29 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 9 5 % 5 % Research and development (R&D) Marketing/ communications 𝑛 3 =19 6 3 % 3 7 % Manufacturer of products/ solutions for optimizing tribological systems User of products/ solutions for optimizing tribological systems 𝑛 4 =19 𝑛 4 =19 Figure 3: Role of the company (Q3, left) and department of the participant (Q4, right) 8 4 % 3 2 % 2 6 % 3 7 % 1 6 % 5 % 2 6 % 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Development of products with tribological requirements Development of lubricants Development of tribotechnical components Manufacture of tribologically optimized materials or coatings Maintenance and repair of systems with tribological components Testing services and test procedures for tribological systems Consulting and optimization of tribological processes 𝑛 5 =19 Figure 4: Specific categories of the represented companies (Q5) 5 % 1 6 % 5 % 5 % 3 7 % 5 3 % 4 2 % 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Food and feed industry Chemical industry Plastics and rubber industry Glass and ceramics industry Metal industry Mechanical engineering Vehicle manufacturing 𝑛 2 =19 Figure 2: Represented sectors in the survey (Q2) Q8.2: Potential for final energy consumption saving through tribological optimization in 10 years. Experts regard tribological optimization as a growing instrument for improving energy efficiency. While its potential is already considered relevant today, a marked increase is expected across nearly all sectors over the next ten years. The future savings potential is rated particularly high in mechanical engineering (43 % high, 30 % very high) and vehicle manufacturing (20 % high, 43 % very high), whereas industries such as chemicals (14 % very high), metals (14 % very high), and plastics (19 % very high) also exhibit considerably more optimistic assessments for the coming decade (see Figure 7). Even in sectors currently perceived as less relevant (e.g., textiles, wood and paper), a noticeable increase in potential is anticipated. Q9.1: Current economic potential of tribological optimization. Already today, the economic potential of Science and Research 30 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 areas: energy savings (33 %) and increased service life (22 %, see Figure 5). Other benefits mentioned include performance improvement (11 %), enhanced functionality under extreme conditions (9 %), improved product quality (9 %), cost reduction (7 %), reduced downtime (4 %), increased environmental compatibility (4 %), and improved production cost efficiency (2 %). Q8.1: Current potential for final energy consumption saving through tribological optimization. The highest current potential is seen in mechanical engineering (39 % high, 22 % very high) and vehicle manufacturing (37 % high, 33 % very high). This aligns with the strong representation of respondents from these sectors in the survey, reflecting the prominent role tribological considerations play in their operations. The high ratings and the participant profile thus reinforce each other, suggesting that both perceived potential and industry engagement are closely linked. The chemical, metal, and plastics/ rubber industries are rated mostly in the mid-range, while glass/ ceramics, food/ feed, and textiles receive predominantly lower ratings (see Figure 6). 2 2 % 9 % 9 % 3 3 % 4 % 1 1 % 2 % 7 % 4 % 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Increased service life Improved functionality (in ext. cond.) Improved product quality Energy savings Reduced downtime Increased performance Cost efficiency in production Cost reduction Environmental friendliness 𝑛 7 =45 Figure 5: Greatest benefits of tribological optimization (Q7) 10% 7% 15% 20% 7% 5% 11% 11% 35% 30% 33% 38% 33% 44% 34% 29% 32% 28% 17% 40% 32% 28% 29% 24% 22% 29% 41% 44% 39% 37% 21% 30% 28% 19% 26% 15% 15% 15% 22% 33% 5% 7% 9% 5% 10% 5% 7% Mechanical engineering Vehicle manufacturing Chemical industry Metal industry Plastics and rubber industry Glass and ceramics industry Electrical industry Food and feed industry Textile and clothing industry Wood and paper industry Other industries 1 2 3 4 5 Scale: 1 = no potential; 5 = very high potential: 𝑛 8.1 =41-46 ∅ = 3,72 ∅ = 3,87 ∅ = 2,95 ∅ = 3,09 ∅ = 3,09 ∅ = 2,71 ∅ = 2,98 ∅ = 2,51 ∅ = 2,46 ∅ = 2,85 ∅ = 2,12 Figure 6: Potential for final energy consumption savings through tribological optimization today (Q8.1) 1 1 With “Other industries” we mean “Other manufacturing industries”. tribological optimization is assessed as high to very high in many industries. Mechanical engineering leads with 40 % very high and 35 % high ratings, followed by vehicle manufacturing (32 % very high, 34 % high). The chemical industry is mainly rated medium (46 %), with balanced lower and higher ratings. Metals show a mixed profile (27 % very high, 24 % low), while plastics/ rubber is split between low (41 %) and high or very high (43 %). Glass/ ceramics, food/ feed, and textiles/ clothing receive predominantly lower scores (see Figure 8). Q9.2: Economic potential of tribological optimization in 10 Years. Projections remain overall stable, with slight increases in the highest ratings for mechanical engineering (44 % very high) and for plastics and rubber (25 % very high, up from 15 %). By contrast, vehicle manufacturing shows a slight decline, while sectors such as glass and ceramics, food and feed, as well as textiles and clothing continue to receive comparatively lower scores. The economic assessment thus does not fully mirror the energetic one: although similar overall tendencies can be observed, in some cases, such as vehicle manufacturing, opposing developments are expected (see Figure 9). Q10.1: Current potential for final energy consumption savings through tribological optimization in various mobility applications. In summary, the greatest potential is currently seen in vehicles with combustion engines, closely followed by vehicles with electric drivetrains (see Figure 10, top). Hydrogen based propulsion follows closely. According to the respondents, other mobility applications also show considerable potential, although the distribution of ratings is somewhat more widely spread. Science and Research 31 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 5% 7% 5% 5% 5% 8% 8% 13% 15% 8% 5% 7% 7% 22% 24% 36% 38% 39% 38% 31% 33% 30% 14% 20% 46% 22% 15% 21% 18% 18% 23% 31% 33% 35% 34% 15% 22% 28% 21% 18% 18% 21% 15% 15% 40% 32% 12% 27% 15% 13% 16% 13% 10% 13% 18% Mechanical engineering Vehicle manufacturing Chemical industry Metal industry Plastics and rubber industry Glass and ceramics industry Electrical industry Food and feed industry Textile and clothing industry Wood and paper industry Other industries 1 2 3 4 5 𝑛 9.1 =39-43 Scale: 1 = no potential; 5 = very high potential: Figure 8: Economic potential of tribological optimization (Q9.1) 7% 5% 7% 14% 5% 15% 15% 7% 5% 7% 7% 26% 30% 23% 31% 31% 34% 37% 34% 17% 17% 24% 37% 25% 14% 21% 21% 27% 27% 27% 44% 43% 20% 21% 27% 37% 29% 26% 20% 17% 20% 24% 30% 43% 14% 14% 19% 5% 17% 5% 5% 12% 10% Mechanical engineering Vehicle manufacturing Chemical industry Metal industry Plastics and rubber industry Glass and ceramics industry Electrical industry Food and feed industry Textile and clothing industry Wood and paper industry Other industries 1 2 3 4 5 Scale: 1 = no potential; 5 = very high potential: 𝑛 8.2 =41-46 ∅ = 3,93 ∅ = 3,87 ∅ = 3,19 ∅ = 3,16 ∅ = 3,37 ∅ = 2,79 ∅ = 3,19 ∅ = 2,66 ∅ = 2,61 ∅ = 2,95 ∅ = 3,17 Figure 7: Potential for final energy consumption savings through tribological optimization in 10 years (Q8.2) using any of the listed innovations, and 4 % indicated no knowledge of them. An additional 9 % mentioned other relevant technologies for their specific applications, including surface structuring, triboconditioning, lubricantfree polymer bearings, and testing techniques and methods (see Figure 11). 3 Barriers to Implementation Q14: Barriers to the practical Implementation of tribological optimization. The survey results indicate that the main obstacles to the widespread implementation of tribological optimization are less technical in nature but Science and Research 32 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Q10.2: Potential for final energy consumption savings through tribological optimization in various mobility applications in 10 years. Respondents expect an increasing potential for energy savings in all categories but combustion engines (see Figure 10, bottom). The greatest potential is expected within hydrogen drivetrains. Q13: Tribology innovations implemented or in preparation. The most frequently adopted or planned innovations include optimized materials and coatings (76 %), machine elements such as gears, bearings or seals (72 %), and lubricants (65 %). Only 7 % reported not 5% 9% 5% 5% 5% 8% 5% 10% 13% 8% 5% 9% 25% 20% 25% 33% 34% 31% 28% 26% 26% 14% 25% 38% 29% 13% 23% 21% 26% 26% 33% 28% 33% 25% 18% 20% 33% 26% 24% 21% 18% 15% 21% 44% 32% 15% 27% 25% 10% 16% 13% 15% 18% 23% Mechanical engineering Vehicle manufacturing Chemical industry Metal industry Plastics and rubber industry Glass and ceramics industry Electrical industry Food and feed industry Textile and clothing industry Wood and paper industry Other industries 1 2 3 4 5 𝑛 9.2 =39-43 Scale: 1 = no potential; 5 = very high potential: Figure 9: Economic potential of tribological optimization in 10 years (Q9.2) 16% 4% 5% 5% 18% 13% 14% 7% 13% 16% 9% 24% 22% 29% 30% 36% 31% 38% 43% 29% Vehicles with combustion engines Vehicles with electric mobility Vehicles with hydrogen drives Other mobility applications 1 2 3 4 5 𝑛 10.2 =42-45 Scale: 1 = no potential; 5 = very high potential: 9% 11% 11% 14% 14% 18% 27% 20% 26% 47% 27% 25% 36% 22% 33% 32% 21% Vehicles with combustion engines Vehicles with electric mobility Vehicles with hydrogen drives Other mobility applications 1 2 3 4 5 𝑛 10.1 =42-45 Scale: 1 = no potential; 5 = very high potential: Figure 10: Potential for final energy consumption savings through tribological optimization in various mobility applications today (Q10.1, top) vs. in 10 years (Q10.2, bottom) rather linked to knowledge and organizational issues. The most frequently cited barriers are a lack of awareness about possibilities and potentials (76 %) and insufficient knowledge among engineers and designers (67 %), highlighting deficits in education, training, and knowledge transfer. Economic considerations are another major concern: 43 % of respondents emphasize high investment costs, 41 % point to an unfavorable cost- benefit ratio, and 22 % mention long payback periods. Similarly, 43 % referred to insufficient support or prioritization at the management level, underlining the role of corporate decision-making structures. Structural and institutional factors are also identified, including resistance to change or innovation (35 %), lack of standardization and norms (26 %), and unclear or difficult-to-measure advantages (26 %). By contrast, technological and practical barriers such as insufficient technology and equipment (13 %), lack of supply (11 %), or integration challenges (15 %) appear to play a secondary role, while regulatory or legal restrictions (2 %) and high operating costs (2 %) are of negligible importance (see Figure 12). Overall, the findings suggest that the diffusion of tribological optimization is hindered primarily by limited knowledge, weak management commitment, and economic uncertainties rather than by technological limitations, underscoring the need for targeted information campaigns, training initiatives, and a clearer communication of economic benefits. 4 Research needs Q15: Measures to foster the practical application of tribological optimization. Greater integration of tribo- Science and Research 33 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 6 5 % 7 2 % 7 6 % 7 % 4 % 9 % 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Optimized lubricants Optimized tribotechnical components (e.g., bearings, seals) Optimized materials or coatings Nothing Unknown Other: 𝑛 13 =45 Figure 11: Tribology Innovations Implemented or in Preparation (Q13) 4 3 % 2 % 2 2 % 4 1 % 1 1 % 7 6 % 6 7 % 1 3 % 1 5 % 4 % 4 1 % 2 6 % 3 5 % 4 3 % 2 6 % 1 3 % 2 % 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% High investment costs High operating costs Payback period Price-benefit ratio Lack of supply Lack of knowledge about potential Lack of knowledge among engineers Lack of or insufficient tech. and equip. Interference with tech./ install. space Efficiency Product acceptance/ importance Lack of standardization and norms Resistance to change or innovation Insufficient support in management Unclear or unmeasurable advantages Lack of suitable training opportunities Regulatory or legal restrictions 𝑛 14 =46 Figure 12: Barriers to the practical implementation of tribological optimization (Q14) are also considered relatively important. Other areas considered less relevant include the performance and temperature range (24 %), information processing and market analysis (15 %), and the modularity and standardization of products and assistance with market integration, both of which are mentioned by 13 % of respondents. In the “Other” category, 11 % of respondents also mention topics such as “chemical interaction,” “improvement of simulation,” “electrical properties of tribological contacts,” “data analysis/ use of AI,” and “research on reusability/ circular economy/ life cycle assessment (LCA 2 ).” Q18: Availability of information on innovative tribological solutions. These results illustrate that many respondents perceive the information available on tribology as needing improvement. Only a smaller proportion of respondents consider it to be good or very good (see Figure 15). Science and Research 34 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 logy into teaching and training (80 %) is regarded as the most effective measure, followed by the publication of studies and best practice examples (63 %) and government funding for implementation (57 %). Companylevel audits and consulting has the lowest score (43 %). The results emphasize that education and demonstrative evidence are key drivers for a wider uptake of tribological optimization (see Figure 13). Q16: Research needs for tribological solutions to enhance energy efficiency. The most frequently cited priority is the optimization of lubricants and lubrication systems, which is identified as a key research need by 67 % of respondents. Improving surface coatings (63 %) and developing new tribological materials and integrating tribological solutions into existing systems are also highly rated, with 61 % of respondents citing each of these areas (see Figure 14). Topics such as knowledge of industrial processes and materials technology (37 %), cost-benefit analysis of investments (35 %) and the expansion of measurement and analysis techniques (28 %) 4 3 % 6 3 % 5 7 % 4 % 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Audit/ consulting to identify tribological potential within your own company Publication of studies/ best practice examples to illustrate the potential of tribo. optimization Government funding for the implementation of tribological optimization Greater integration of tribology into teaching and training Other 𝑛 15 =45 80% Figure 13: Measures to foster the practical application of tribological optimization (Q15) 6 7 % 6 1 % 6 3 % 2 8 % 6 1 % 1 3 % 2 4 % 1 3 % 1 5 % 3 7 % 3 5 % 1 1 % 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Optimization of lubricants and lubrication systems Development of new tribological materials Improvement of surface coatings Expansion of measurement and analysis techniques Integration of tribological solutions into existing systems Modularity and standardization of products Performance and temperature range Assistance with market integration Information processing and market analyses Knowledge of industrial processes and technology Cost-benefit analysis of investments Other 𝑛 16 =46 Figure 14: Research needs for tribological solutions to enhance energy efficiency (Q16) 2 Life Cycle Assessment Q20: Representation of tribology in teaching. The current representation of tribology in teaching is viewed critically by the majority. 63 % rate its presence with 2 points, which indicates considerable deficits. Only 4 % of respondents consider its representation to be good or very good (4 or 5 points, see Figure 16). Discussion The survey results reveal a dual narrative: on the one hand, there is strong optimism about the potential of tribological optimization to improve industrial performance. On the other hand, real-world implementation remains hampered by structural knowledge gaps and educational shortcomings. The gap between available scientific insights and their uptake in industry is particularly concerning. Even among technically literate professionals, there appears to be a lack of tools and institutional frameworks for effectively integrating tribological principles into design and maintenance workflows. One promising approach to address this is the integration of tribology into core engineering curricula - both at the university level and in vocational training. Furthermore, cross-sectoral demonstration projects could help validate technologies and create reference points for practitioners. The 10-year forecasts should be interpreted with caution. Actual developments may depend weakly on the research field's own innovative strength. Energy prices, and economic developments, however, will have a strong influence. The survey shows that there is no common consensus among experts regarding the final energy-saving potential across industries. Though, on average, the respondents see an increasing potential in all sectors, but automotive (ø Automotive,now = 3,87; ø Automotive,10a = 3,87). The answers to question 10 may provide an explanation for this. Here, only drivetrains based on combustion engines are expected to have a decreasing potential. Consequently, the participants rate the final energy-saving potential of BEVs 3 and FCEVs 4 significantly lower. Nevertheless, when asked for further areas with untapped potential the responses mention electric vehicles and their drive components multiple times. Thus, the experts still seem uncertain about the energy-saving potential of new drivetrain options. When interpreting the potential, it should also be taken into account that the respondents mainly come from the mechanical engineering, vehicle manufacturing, and metalworking industries. At the same time, mechanical engineering and vehicle manufacturing are considered to have the highest potential in questions 8 and 9. This could be related to the in-depth knowledge of industrystandard processes and plant components. Consequently, Science and Research 35 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 7 % 6 3 % 2 6 % 2 % 2 % 0 % 1 0 % 2 0 % 3 0 % 4 0 % 5 0 % 6 0 % 7 0 % 1 2 3 4 5 𝑛 20 =46 Figure 16: Representation of tribology in teaching (1 = not represented at all; 5 = very well represented, Q20) 2 % 3 2 % 4 3 % 1 4 % 9 % 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 1 2 3 4 5 𝑛 18 =44 Figure 15: Availability of information on innovative solutions in the field of tribology in general (1 = very bad; 5 = very good, Q18) 3 BEV: Batterie Electric Vehicle 4 FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle such as high investment costs (43 %) and an inadequate price-benefit ratio (41 %) were also cited as significant obstacles. A lack of management support (43 %) was likewise identified as a complicating factor. Respondents attach particularly little importance to regulatory hurdles (2 %) and high operating costs (2 %), which indicates that economic and technical challenges play a greater role for them. Measures that could contribute to tribological optimization becoming more widely used in practical applications include greater integration of the topic into teaching and training (80 %). The publication of studies and best practice examples illustrating the potential of tribological optimization in specific products and industries was also considered to be of great importance (63 %). Future research needs. In the field of research related to increasing energy efficiency, respondents see a considerable need for the optimization of lubricants and lubrication systems (67 %), the improvement of surface coatings (63 %), and the development of new tribological materials (61 %). The integration of tribological solutions into existing systems (61 %) is also considered particularly promising. When asked where they see a need for research in the field of tribological solutions outside the area of energy efficiency, service life and wear were mentioned most frequently, with 10 and 8 mentions respectively. Currently popular tools like simulation, digital twins and AI were not mentioned. The existing information available on innovative solutions in the field of tribology in general was rated by most respondents (43 %) with 3 out of 5 points, with a decreasing trend. 48 % of respondents gave the importance of tribology in teaching a rating of 4 out of 5, and 35 % even gave it a rating of 5 out of 5. However, 63 % rated the current representation of tribology in teaching with only 2 points. Here only 2 % of respondents gave ratings of 4 and 5 points. Summary The results show that experts regard tribological optimizations as a means of saving energy, extending service life, and improving product quality in numerous industrial sectors. Nevertheless, obstacles remain, particularly in the areas of expertise and economic efficiency. According to the respondents, future research activities should therefore focus both on the further development and dissemination of tribological technologies in teaching and on the publication of studies and best-practice examples. Acknowledgments The results presented in this paper are based on the joint project “EE4InG2 - Accompanying Scientific Research for Energy Efficiency in Industry and Commerce 2.0” (funding code: 03EN2107B), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and managed by the Project Management Jülich (PtJ). The authors gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the BMWE and PtJ. Science and Research 36 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 it is possible that the potential of other industries is underestimated due to a possible lack of knowledge about processes and systems. To obtain a more reliable assessment for underrepresented industries in the future, the respective industry representatives should be contacted directly and encouraged to participate in the survey. Surprisingly, digital trends such as simulation, digital twins, and AI received the lowest approval ratings in question 16. These technologies are regarded and used in many industries as tools for optimization and the development of innovative solutions. The survey results suggest that experts are skeptical about the added value in the field of tribology. In view of the widespread use of digital applications, future surveys should ask about the reasons for this skepticism and the respondent’s knowledge about simulation, digital twins, and AI. Conclusion The results of the expert survey show that tribological optimization is believed to have significant potential for increasing efficiency and sustainability in industry. However, this study also identifies existing obstacles and future research needs, hampering the broader application of tribological optimization technologies to date. Opportunities for tribological optimization. Respondents see significant advantages in tribological optimization, particularly in the areas of energy savings (33 %) and increased component service life (22 %). Aspects such as improved product quality (9 %) and greater environmental friendliness (4 %) were also highlighted. Particularly high energy-saving potential is seen in mechanical engineering (39 % high potential, 22 % very high potential) and vehicle manufacturing (37 % high potential, 33 % very high potential). Relevant savings potential is also expected for other industries such as the chemical industry, metal processing and the plastics industry. In all areas except vehicle manufacturing saving potentials were estimated to be higher ten years from now. However, it should be considered, that the knowledge of these areas might be limited, as most respondents have a background in mechanical engineering and automotive. The saving potentials for alternative propulsion systems, such as electromobility and hydrogen-based drive systems are also expected to be high. At 40 %, the majority of respondents rated the current final energy-saving potential through tribological optimization in production areas known to them at 4 out of 5 points. The most frequently used tribology innovations of the last ten years (76 %), which are already in use or in preparation among the respondents, are optimized materials or coatings. Barriers to tribological optimization. According to the respondents, the biggest challenges to the spread of tribological optimizations include a lack of knowledge about technological potentials (76 %) and a lack of expertise among engineers and designers (67 %). Economic factors Science and Research 37 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Attachment: Results raw data Q02 In welchem Industriezweig ist Ihr Unternehmen tätig? [ Mehrfachnennungen möglich ] Nahrungs- und Futtermittelindustrie 1 Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie 0 Holz- und Papierindustrie 0 Chemische Industrie 3 Kunststoff- und Gummiindustrie 1 Glas- und Keramikindustrie 1 Metallindustrie 7 Maschinenbau 10 Elektroindustrie 0 Fahrzeugbau 8 Sonstiges verarbeitendes Gewerbe 0 Summe = 19 Q03 In welcher fachlichen Rolle/ Abteilung sind Sie in Ihrem Unternehmen tätig? Forschung und Entwicklung (F&E) 18 Marketing/ Kommunikation 1 Geschäftsführung/ Management 0 Summe = 19 Q01 In welchem Bereich ordnen Sie sich aus fachlicher Perspektive primär ein? Industrie und Gewerbe 19 Wissenschaft/ Forschung 21 Beratungswesen/ Dienstleistung 4 Öffentlicher Sektor/ Behörden 1 Sonstiges: Weiterbildung 1 Summe= 46 Q04Welche Perspektive trifft auf Ihr Unternehmen primär zu? Hersteller von Produkten/ Lösungen zur Optimierung tribologischer Systeme 12 Anwender von Produkten/ Lösungen zur Optimierung tribologischer Systeme 7 Summe = 19 Science and Research 38 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Q05 Welche Kategorie trifft auf Ihr Unternehmen zu? [ Mehrfachnennungen möglich ] Entwicklung von Produkten mit tribologischen Anforderungen (z.B. Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, Automotive) 16 Entwicklung von Schmierstoffen 6 Entwicklung tribotechnischer Komponenten (z.B. Lager, Dichtungen) 5 Herstellung von tribologisch optimierten Werkstoffen oder Beschichtungen 7 Wartung und Instandhaltung von Anlagen mit tribologischen Komponenten 3 Prüfdienstleistungen und Testverfahren für tribologische Systeme 1 Beratung und Optimierung tribologischer Prozesse 5 Summe = 19 Q06 Wie schätzen Sie Ihre Kenntnisse zum Fachgebiet Tribologie ein? Keine - Keine Kenntnisse oder Erfahrungen im Bereich Tribologie 0 Gering - Grundkenntnisse ohne praktische Erfahrung 1 Durchschnittlich - Grundlegende Kenntnisse, aber begrenzte praktische Erfahrung 2 Gut - Solide Kenntnisse mit einigen praktischen Erfahrungen in Tribologie 11 Sehr gut - Umfassende Kenntnisse und praktische Erfahrung in Tribologie 32 Summe = 46 Q07 Wo sehen Sie die größten Nutzeneffekte durch eine tribologische Optimierung? Erhöhung der Lebensdauer 10 Verbesserung der Funktionalität unter extremen Bedingungen 4 Verbesserte Produktqualität 4 Energieeinsparung 15 Reduzierung von Ausfallzeiten 2 Leistungssteigerung 5 Kosteneffizienz bei der Produktion 1 Kostenreduktion 3 Umweltfreundlichkeit 2 Summe = 46 Science and Research 39 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Q08 Bewerten Sie das vorliegende Endenergieeinsparpotenzial durch tribologische Optimierung in einzelnen Industriezweigen auf einer Skala von 1 (keine Bedeutung) bis 5 (sehr große Bedeutung). [ Mehrfachnennungen möglich ] aktuell. Skalenpunkte: 1 2 3 4 5 Summe Maschinenbau 0 5 13 18 10 46 Fahrzeugbau 1 5 8 17 15 46 Chemische Industrie 0 15 17 9 2 43 Metallindustrie 1 13 14 13 3 44 Kunststoff- und Gummiindustrie 1 14 12 12 4 43 Glas- und Keramikindustrie 4 16 12 8 2 42 Elektroindustrie 3 14 10 11 4 42 Nahrungs- und Futtermittelindustrie 6 18 9 6 2 41 Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie 8 14 12 6 1 41 Holz- und Papierindustrie 3 12 17 6 3 41 Sonstiges verarbeitendes Gewerbe 2 13 18 0 1 41 Q08 Bewerten Sie das vorliegende Endenergieeinsparpotenzial durch tribologische Optimierung in einzelnen Industriezweigen auf einer Skala von 1 (keine Bedeutung) bis 5 (sehr große Bedeutung). [ Mehrfachnennungen möglich ] in 10 Jahren. Skalenpunkte: 1 2 3 4 5 Summe Maschinenbau 1 3 8 20 14 46 Fahrzeugbau 3 3 11 9 20 46 Chemische Industrie 1 11 16 9 6 43 Metallindustrie 2 13 11 12 6 44 Kunststoff- und Gummiindustrie 3 10 6 16 8 43 Glas- und Keramikindustrie 6 13 9 12 2 42 Elektroindustrie 2 13 9 11 7 42 Nahrungs- und Futtermittelindustrie 6 14 11 8 2 41 Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie 6 15 11 7 2 41 Holz- und Papierindustrie 3 14 11 8 5 41 Sonstiges verarbeitendes Gewerbe 2 7 18 10 4 41 Science and Research 40 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Q09 Bewerten Sie das vorliegende volkswirtschaftliche Potenzial durch tribologische Optimierung in einzelnen Industriezweigen auf einer Skala von 1 (geringes Potenzial) bis 5 (sehr großes Potenzial). [ Mehrfachnennungen möglich ] aktuell. Skalenpunkte: 1 2 3 4 5 Summe Maschinenbau 2 3 6 15 17 43 Fahrzeugbau 3 3 9 15 14 44 Chemische Industrie 2 9 19 6 5 41 Metallindustrie 2 10 9 9 11 41 Kunststoff- und Gummiindustrie 2 14 6 11 6 39 Glas- und Keramikindustrie 3 15 8 8 5 39 Elektroindustrie 3 15 7 7 6 38 Nahrungs- und Futtermittelindustrie 5 15 7 7 5 39 Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie 6 12 9 8 4 39 Holz- und Papierindustrie 3 13 12 6 5 39 Sonstiges verarbeitendes Gewerbe 2 12 13 6 7 40 Q09 Bewerten Sie das vorliegende volkswirtschaftliche Potenzial durch tribologische Optimierung in einzelnen Industriezweigen auf einer Skala von 1 (geringes Potenzial) bis 5 (sehr großes Potenzial). [ Mehrfachnennungen möglich ] in 10 Jahren. Skalenpunkte: 1 2 3 4 5 Summe Maschinenbau 2 2 6 14 19 43 Fahrzeugbau 4 4 11 11 14 44 Chemische Industrie 2 10 15 7 6 41 Metallindustrie 2 8 12 8 11 41 Kunststoff- und Gummiindustrie 2 10 5 13 10 39 Glas- und Keramikindustrie 3 13 9 10 4 39 Elektroindustrie 2 13 8 9 6 38 Nahrungs- und Futtermittelindustrie 4 12 10 8 5 39 Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie 5 11 10 7 6 39 Holz- und Papierindustrie 3 10 13 6 7 39 Sonstiges verarbeitendes Gewerbe 1 10 11 8 9 40 Q10 Bewerten Sie das vorliegende Endenergieeinsparpotenzial durch tribologische Optimierung in verschiedenen Mobilitätsanwendungen auf einer Skala von 1 (kein Potenzial) bis 5 (sehr großes Potenzial). [ Mehrfachnennungen möglich ] aktuell Skalenpunkte: 1 2 3 4 5 Summe Fahrzeuge mit Verbrennungsmotoren 1 5 8 21 10 45 Fahrzeuge mit Elektromobilität 1 5 12 12 15 45 Fahrzeuge mit Wasserstoffantrieben 4 6 9 11 14 44 Sonstige Mobilitätsanwendungen 1 6 11 15 9 42 Science and Research 41 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Q10 Bewerten Sie das vorliegende Endenergieeinsparpotenzial durch tribologische Optimierung in verschiedenen Mobilitätsanwendungen auf einer Skala von 1 (kein Potenzial) bis 5 (sehr großes Potenzial). [ Mehrfachnennungen möglich ] in 10 Jahren Skalenpunkte: 1 2 3 4 5 Summe Fahrzeuge mit Verbrennungsmotoren 7 8 6 10 14 45 Fahrzeuge mit Elektromobilität 2 6 7 13 17 45 Fahrzeuge mit Wasserstoffantrieben 2 6 4 13 19 44 Sonstige Mobilitätsanwendungen 2 3 10 15 12 42 Q12 Bewerten Sie wie hoch das vorliegende Endenergieeinsparpotenzial durch tribologische Optimierung in Ihnen bekannten Produktionsbereichen auf einer Skala von 1 (geringes Anwendungspotenzial) bis 5 (sehr großes Anwendungspotenzial) ist. • Sport • Sportgeräte • Fettschmierung • Schmierung und Beschichtungsverfahren/ arten in Wasserstoffanwendungen (z.B. H2- Verbrennungsmotoren) • Logistik • Flugtriebwerksbau • Airspace • Mechatronische Systeme • Getriebe (2x genannt) • Pumpen (2x genannt) • Hydraulische Pumpen • Wälzlager • Windkraft Produkte mit geringen Stückzahlen (2x genannt) • Automobilindustrie • Automobile • Off Road Fahrzeuge • E-Fahrzeuge • Thermomanagement bei E-Fahrzeugen • Schmierung in der Elektromobilität • Antriebsstränge • Antriebstechnik • Electric motors • Industriemotoren • Schienenverkehr (3x genannt) • Bearbeitungsmaschinen • Produktionsanlagen • Fertigungsprozesse, insbesondere Umformen Metallbe- und -verarbeitung • Polymere Dichtungen • Polymere Werkstoffe sowohl in der Antriebstechnik als auch in der generellen Kraftübertragung • Kompositwerkstoffe (metallischer und/ oder polymerer Herkunft) in Kompressoren, Ventilen und neu erschließbaren Anwendungen • Kompressoren • Gaskompressoren • Kolbenmaschinen aller Art (Kälte-, Wärme-, Klimaanlagen ...) • Strömungsmaschinen, z.B. Klimageräte • Klimageräte • E-Fuels Q12 Bewerten Sie wie hoch das vorliegende Endenergieeinsparpotenzial durch tribologische Optimierung in Ihnen bekannten Produktionsbereichen auf einer Skala von 1 (geringes Anwendungspotenzial) bis 5 (sehr großes Anwendungspotenzial) ist. 1 4 2 4 3 10 4 18 5 9 Summe = 45 Science and Research 42 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Q14 Welche Hemmnisse sehen Sie hinsichtlich einer Verbreitung tribologischer Optimierung in der Praxis? Hohe Investitionskosten 20 Hohe Betriebskosten 1 Amortisationszeit 10 Preis-Benefit-Verhältnis 19 Fehlendes Angebot 5 Mangel an Wissen über Möglichkeiten/ Potenzial 35 Fehlendes Wissen der Ingenieure/ Konstrukteure 31 Fehlende oder unzureichende Technologie und Ausrüstung 6 Eingriff in Technik/ Bauraum 7 Wirkungsgrad 2 Produktakzeptanz/ Stellenwert 19 Fehlende Standardisierung und Normen 12 Widerstand gegenüber Veränderung oder Innovation 16 Unzureichende Unterstützung oder Priorität im Management 20 Unklare oder nicht messbare Vorteile 12 Mangel an geeigneten Schulungs- und Weiterbildungsangeboten 6 Regulatorische oder rechtliche Einschränkungen 1 n_14 = 46 Q13 Nennen Sie Tribologie-Innovationen der letzten 10 Jahre, die bei Ihnen bereits im Einsatz sind oder deren Einsatz bei Ihnen bereits in laufender Vorbereitung ist. n= Optimierte Schmierstoffe 30 46 Optimierte tribotechnische Komponenten (z.B. Lager, Dichtungen) 33 46 Optimierte Werkstoffe oder Beschichtungen 35 46 Nichts 3 46 Nicht bekannt 2 46 Sonstiges: (Oberflächenstrukturierungen, Triboconditioning, schmierstofffreie Kunststofflager, Prüftechniken & -methoden) 4 46 Science and Research 43 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Q15 Welche Maßnahmen können dazu beitragen, dass tribologische Optimierung verstärkt Einzug in die praktische Anwendung finden? Audit/ Beratung zur Identifikation tribologischer Potenziale im eigenen Unternehmen 20 Veröffentlichung von Studien / Best-Practice-Beispielen, welche die Potenziale einer tribologischen Optimierung in konkreten Produkten / Branchen verdeutlichen 29 Staatliche Förderung zur Umsetzung tribologischer Optimierung 26 Verstärkte Integration des Themenfeldes Tribologie in Lehre und Ausbildung 37 Sonstiges: (Wirtschaftlichkeit tribologischer Optimierungen verbessern, Generationswechsel befördern) 2 n_14 = 46 Q16 Wo sehen Sie Forschungsbedarf im Bereich tribologischer Lösungen in Bezug auf die Steigerung der Energieeffizienz? Optimierung von Schmierstoffen und -systemen 31 Entwicklung neuer tribologischer Materialien 28 Verbesserung der Oberflächenbeschichtungen 29 Erweiterung der Mess- und Analysetechniken 13 Integration von tribologischen Lösungen in bestehende Systeme 28 Modularität und Standardisierung von Produkten 6 Leistungs- und Temperaturbereich 11 Hilfe zur Marktintegration 6 Informationsaufbereitung und Marktanalysen 7 Kenntnisse über Industrieprozesse und Werkstofftechnik 17 Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse von Investitionen 16 Sonstiges: (Chemische Wechselwirkung, Elektrische Eigenschaften tribologischer Kontakte, Verbrsserung der Simulation, Datenanalyse/ KI-Einsatz, Forschung zur Wiederverwendbarkeit/ Kreislaufwirtschaft/ LCA) 5 n_16 = 46 Science and Research 44 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Q17: Wo sehen Sie Forschungsbedarf im Bereich tribologischer Lösungen außerhalb des Themenfeldes Energieeffizienz? • Tieftemperaturanwendung • Geringe Reibung: Super Schmierstoffe • Weltraumanwendung (2x genannt) • Extreme Bedingungen • Produktionsrelevante Tribologie (Gesamtkostenanalyse) • Restlebensdauer • Vorhersagbarkeit eines Ausfalls • Fehlerbzw. Ausfallmechanismen • Erweiterung bestehender Leistungsgrenzen • Normung, Standardisierung und Harmonisierung tribologischer Charakterisierungen, Daten und Methodiken • Schmierstofflebensdauermodelle (sowohl flüssig, als auch Fette) • Aufbau einer öffentlich zugänglichen Ontologie zur Repräsentierung tribologischer Systeme • Entwicklung und Testung tribologischer Lösungen unter realen Anwendungsbedingungen (Berücksichtigung von Schmutz, Alterung und Missbrauchslasten) • Ermittlung von geeigneten Messverfahren zur Bestimmung von Stoffeigenschaften tribologischer Komponenten (Material und Schmierstoff) • Restlebensdauer • Vorhersagbarkeit eines Ausfalls • Weiterentwicklung von Simulationsmethoden • Lebensdauer (10x genannt) • Verschleißverhalten von neuen und im Einsatz befindlichen Materialien • Verschleiß (-minimierung) (8x genannt) • Verschleißminimierung bei hohen Temperaturen • Kreislaufwirtschaft (2x genannt) • Ressourceneffizienz • Nachhaltigkeit und Kreislaufwirtschaft von Schmierstoffen • sparsamer Umgang mit Schmierstoffen • CO2 Emission • LCA (2x genannt) • Leistungsfähigkeit von Recyclaten • Nachhaltige Werk- und Schmierstoffe • Kombination nachhaltiger Schmierstoffe mit Konstruktionselementen • Materialsubstitution (z.B. PEFAS- und Cr6-Verbot, etc.) • Ressourceneffizienz • Berücksichtigung von Cradle-to-Cradle während der Produktentwicklung • Parasitärer Stromdurchgang in Windenergieanlagen und Elektroautos • tribokorrosive Beanspruchung identifizieren + Optimierung entwickeln • Wälz- und Gleitkontakte mit Stromdurchgang • Tribokorrosion • Interaktion zwischen Schmierstoffen und Beschichtungen • Elektrisch induzierte Ströme und Schäden Q18 Bewerten Sie wie gut Ihrer Einschätzung nach das Informationsangebot zu innovativen Lösungen im Bereich Tribologie im Allgemeinen ist. 1 1 2 14 3 19 4 6 5 4 n_18 = 44 Science and Research 45 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 72 · issue 5/ 2025 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2025-0027 Q19 Wie wichtig schätzen Sie die Bedeutung der Tribologie in der Lehre ein? Bitte bewerten Sie auf einer Skala von 1 (keine Bedeutung) bis 5 (sehr große Bedeutung). 1 0 2 2 3 6 4 22 5 16 n_19 = 46 Q20 Wie gut ist die Tribologie Ihrer Meinung nach aktuell in der Lehre repräsentiert? Bitte bewerten Sie auf einer Skala von 1 (gar nicht vertreten) bis 5 (sehr gut vertreten). 1 3 2 29 3 12 4 1 5 1 n_20 = 46 Literature Gesellschaft für Tribologie e.V (2002): Tribologie. GfT-Arbeitsblatt 7. Verschleiß, Reibung. Definitionen, Begriffe, Prüfung. Online verfügbar unter https: / / gjetc.org/ wp-content/ uploads/ 2023/ 01/ Topical-Paper-Waste-Heat.pdf, zuletzt geprüft am 31.07.2025. Woydt, Mathias; Bock, Eberhard; Hosenfeldt, Tim; Bakolas, Vasilios; Luther, Rolf; Wincierz, Christoph (2023): Wirkungen der Tribologie auf die CO2-Emissionen in der Nutzungsphase von Produkten. Beiträge der Tribologie zur Defossilisierung. Hg. v. Gesellschaft für Tribologie e.V. Online verfügbar unter https: / / www.gft-ev.de/ wp-content/ uploads/ GfT-Studie-Wir kungen-der-Tribologie.pdf, zuletzt geprüft am 12.08.2025. Woydt, Mathias; Gradt, Thomas; Hosenfeldt, Tim; Luther, Rolf; Rienäcker, Adrian; Wetzel, Franz-Josef; Wincierz, Christoph (2019): Tribologie in Deutschland: Querschnittstechnologie zur Minderung von CO2-Emissionen und zur Ressourcenschonung. Hg. v. Gesellschaft für Tribologie e.V. Online verfügbar unter https: / / www.gft-ev.de/ wp-content/ uploads/ GfT-Studie-Tribologie-in-Deutschland.pdf, zuletzt geprüft am 12.08.2025. Woydt, Mathias; Hosenfeldt, Tim; Luther, Rolf; Scholz, Christian; Bäse, Mirjam; Wincierz, Christoph; Schulz, Joachim (2021): Tribologie in Deutschland: Verschleißschutz und Nachhaltigkeit als Querschnittsherausforderungen. Hg. v. Gesellschaft für Tribologie e.V. Online verfügbar unter https: / / www.gft-ev.de/ wp-content/ uploads/ GfT-Studie-Ver schlei%C3%9Fschutz-und-Nachhaltigkeit.pdf, zuletzt geprüft am 12.08.2025.