Special Reports

2026 STLE Report on Emerging Issues and Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering

This report examines the forces reshaping the field, from the explosive growth of artificial intelligence in R&D and manufacturing to the latest advances in thermal management and decarbonization. Featuring insights from industry experts and researchers on the front lines, this report explores how cutting-edge technologies, from robotic tribometers to fossil-free lubricants, are driving the future of tribology and lubrication engineering.

Sustainable Lubricants: A Stewardship-Driven Approach to Effective Outcomes Special Report

This report discusses how continuing improvements in lubricants and their applications have made sustainable formulations more accessible and more affordable. Customer requirements, regulatory restrictions, long-term performance benefits and cost incentives can motivate sustainability measures, even when the main focus is not on the environmental benefits.

Tribological Challenges of a Return to the Moon Special Report

This special report summarizes how the challenges associated with NASA’s goal of returning to the Moon and eventually establishing a sustained lunar presence revolve largely around the extreme tribological environment of the Moon.

The Evolution of Turbine Oils, Their Management and Future Predictions Special Report

This special report summarizes key advancements in turbine oil formulation, tests and condition monitoring technology, primarily over the past decade. The areas covered include formulation of turbine oils, testing and standards for turbine oils, and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and sensors.

How Innovation in Motorsport Oil Can Benefit Conventional Oils Special Report

This report reviews how lubricant-related innovations in motorsports can be extended to conventional products because the varied conditions across different types of racing offer a valuable insight for developing conventional lubricants.

Knowledge Transfer Challenges in the Lubricants Industry Special Report

This digital special report considers lubricant industry demographics and concerns that experienced lubricant professionals are not being replaced in time to transfer their industry knowledge to a new generation. Companies need to be thinking about this issue now rather than leave the idea of succession planning behind until it is too late.

Sustainability Opportunities for Tribology Special Report

This digital special report summarizes key findings discussed at the Sustainability Forum during the 2024 STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition. It explores views on sustainability in the lubricants community, sustainability of electric vehicles, the value of sustainability in manufacturing and more.

Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility: Findings from the 3rd STLE Conference on Electric Vehicles

This digital white paper summarizes the key findings and challenges discussed at the 2023 STLE Tribology & Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio (USA), in November 2023, exploring the latest advancements and outlook for the electric vehicle market and technologies impacting the tribology and lubrication field.

Women in Tribology

This digital-only book shares the stories and thoughts of 10 established senior-level women lubrication scientists and engineers who have spent at least 25 years of their professional careers in the field.

2023 STLE Report on Emerging Issues and Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering

This report builds on a multiphase research effort to evaluate current trends and predict future developments impacting the tribology and lubrication engineering field. This is the fourth installment of a multiphase research effort that began in 2014. Current trends are classified into six key topic areas that will affect the tribology and lubrication business in 2023 and beyond.

Tribology Opportunities for Enhancing America's Energy Efficiency

Surfaces in interacting motion are at the foundation of the critical energy-efficiency properties of friction, lubrication and wear, and these are found throughout all energy systems with moving parts. Tribology, a branch of engineering, is relatively unmapped and uncharted for energy technologies in recent times; not since the 1980s has any comprehensive study been conducted in the United States (U.S.) to assess the impact of tribology and potential benefits of tribology research across energy technologies.