TLT: Could you share a bit about your background and how you first became involved in tribology?
Morley: My father was a materials scientist, but I was never explicitly pushed down the engineering route. However, from a young age I was fascinated with anything that moved, so I knew I wanted to pursue engineering in some form. I never even knew the word “tribology,” let alone intended to be a tribologist, when I started at Phoenix Tribology in as an apprentice in 2008. My original academic study was electronics engineering, but being part of a small company rooted in tribology meant that it was hard to avoid exposure to the subject. Within the company I’ve worked variously in electrical engineering, end-product testing, service, customer training and more. Working in a small team means you really have to be willing to use the full extent of your knowledge and always be willing to learn more. However, over time I realized that the fascinating, multidisciplinary area that is tribology is where my interest really lay, thanks, at least in part, to George Plint’s infectious enthusiasm for the subject. But I would say that I am an accidental tribologist (and I think there are quite a lot of us who fall into that category). There’s something new to be learned every day, and there are always novel problems needing a solution. After a few years at Phoenix I decided to pursue a mechanical engineering path with a focus on tribology and haven’t looked back since. I continue to be multifaceted in my role, also taking part in consultative sales, system design and stakeholder engagement, as well as tribology analysis and, on occasion, my own tribological research.
From a personal view I am passionate about tribology as a means to tackle the climate crisis through energy reduction and green energy technologies. I am keen to reach out to the next generation of tribologists in the hope they can have the same passion for the subject that I’ve found, hence my work with the STLE UK Student Chapter to help foster connections between tribology students and early career researchers and industry professionals. One way of this is connecting people in my network (in part fostered through years of attending STLE meetings) with students holding similar research goals, or who may be able to offer positions for those starting out on their career paths.
TLT: What specific aspects of your work or projects excite you the most and keep you motivated?
Morley: I love that every day brings different challenges, and there are always new and exciting tribological problems arising from customers, often in applications that one might not even initially consider. The diversity of industries and the range of unique issues that tribology can address make it a dynamic and stimulating field to work in. Whether it is reducing wear in high-performance automotive components, improving lubrication in massive industrial gear systems or solving friction-related inefficiencies in cutting edge medical devices, the range of applications is vast and continuously evolving. Each new challenge presents an opportunity to apply scientific principles in innovative ways, often requiring close collaboration with engineers, researchers and industry experts.
Working in partnership with project stakeholders to identify root causes, test solutions and ultimately deliver a resolution is always a rewarding experience. There is something immensely satisfying about troubleshooting a complex issue, developing a tribological solution and seeing the tangible benefits of that effort in real-world applications. Seeing firsthand how tribology plays a crucial role in solving some of the world’s most pressing energy and efficiency problems serves as a great motivator to keep striving for excellence in the field. Whether it is extending the lifespan of critical machinery, reducing maintenance costs or improving fuel efficiency, the impact of tribology cannot be overstated.
Beyond the technical challenges, one of the aspects I truly enjoy about tribology is the opportunity for continuous learning. It is a field that is both highly specialized and incredibly interdisciplinary, drawing knowledge from materials science, physics, chemistry and engineering. The friendly and collaborative nature of the tribology community makes it even more rewarding. The knowledge transfer and networking opportunities available through organizations like STLE are invaluable, providing a platform for both seasoned experts and newcomers to exchange ideas, share research and stay at the forefront of emerging trends in the field.
I am particularly excited for the future of tribology as it continues to grow and evolve. As industries move toward greater sustainability and efficiency, the role of tribology in enabling these advancements will only become more significant. The potential for reduced energy consumption through enhanced efficiencies, fewer mechanical failures and advancements in lubrication and materials science will contribute to a low-carbon economy and a more sustainable world.
Additionally, I take great satisfaction in supporting the next generation of tribologists by ensuring they have access to the information and professional networks necessary for success. It is also important to reach those who may be practicing tribology without even realizing it—the “accidental tribologists” who, through their work in engineering, materials science or other disciplines, are making contributions to the field without formally identifying as tribologists. By fostering greater awareness and engagement, we can continue to expand the field and drive innovation in ways that benefit industries and society as a whole.
TLT: Can you discuss a particularly challenging or rewarding project you’ve worked on recently and the lessons you’ve learned from it?
Morley: I’ve recently been collaborating with a colleague on an exciting project investigating the degradation of marine lubricants when exposed to various combinations of ammonia and steam. This research aligns with the broader efforts of the marine industry to find viable alternatives to traditional bunker oil and other high-sulphur fuels, with trials already underway utilizing existing compression-ignition engines adapted for ammonia combustion. The shift toward ammonia as a potential marine fuel presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in understanding how it interacts with lubricants under real-world operating conditions.
To simulate these conditions, we have employed an in-house-designed reaction vessel, where we introduce controlled flow rates of ammonia and steam, allowing them to interact with the lubricant under specific conditions. The degraded lubricant is then circulated through a reciprocating tribological contact before being returned to the reactor vessel, effectively mimicking the harsh environment encountered in the ring-liner interfaces of marine diesel engines running on ammonia fuel. This setup allows us to analyze the complex chemical and physical changes occurring in the lubricant, as well as their implications for engine performance and longevity.
Aside from the technical challenges associated with handling ammonia, steam and their reaction byproducts, this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Defining the research scope, designing the testing methodology and overcoming unexpected hurdles have provided valuable insights into both the tribological and operational aspects of ammonia-fueled engines. One such challenge has been resource availability; for instance, while ammonia over nitrogen would have been ideal for our experiments, practical constraints required us to work with pure ammonia instead. This has led to some adaptations in our approach and a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of experimental design.
Through this work, we have gained a wealth of knowledge, and our findings thus far have significantly broadened the scope of our future investigations. We plan to expand upon this research in the coming months, refining our methods and exploring additional variables to further understand the long-term implications of ammonia as a marine fuel. I presented our findings at the 2025 STLE Annual Meeting in Atlanta, where I discussed this evolving field with fellow researchers and industry professionals.
James working on tribotesting with ammonia degraded lubricant.
TLT: In what ways do you see tribotesting evolving in the near future, and what potential impact do you think these changes might have?
Morley: The tribotesting landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past five to 10 years, reflecting the evolving needs of industries and advancements in technology. As a company, we have observed a noticeable shift away from traditional automotive tribology, particularly the study of ring/liner interfaces (although there is likely to be interest in this from alternative fuel internal combustion engine [ICE]), toward a greater emphasis on bearings, bearing materials and the challenges associated with rolling contact fatigue and micropitting. At the same time, there has been a growing interest in biotribology as industries seek more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in material science and lubrication.
One of the most profound changes has been driven by the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As EV technology continues to develop, new tribological challenges have emerged, particularly regarding electrically induced bearing damage. This phenomenon, often linked to stray electrical currents passing through bearings, has necessitated fresh approaches to both bearing design and lubricant formulation. Additionally, the increasing demand for greater efficiency in EV drivetrains has led to a heightened focus on optimizing bearing performance, whether through material advancements, surface engineering or improvements in lubricant chemistry. The need to minimize frictional losses and extend the service life of components in high-speed electric motors is becoming a major research focus across the field.
Looking ahead, I anticipate that tribology will continue to expand beyond its traditionally recognized boundaries, playing a crucial role in emerging energy solutions and new technological applications. One area of rapid growth is hydrogen technology, where tribological research will be essential in addressing the challenges associated with its multifaceted use. Whether as a fuel for ICEs, as an energy carrier or in fuel cells, hydrogen presents unique tribological concerns, including material behavior under hydrogen exposure, embrittlement and lubrication challenges. As hydrogen adoption scales up, these issues will only become more pronounced, demanding innovative solutions to ensure long-term reliability and efficiency.
Another area poised for significant development is rolling contact fatigue and the associated damage mechanisms, such as micropitting and white etch cracking in bearings and gears. As EV motor speeds increase in the pursuit of higher efficiency and performance, the stress on bearings will intensify, necessitating advancements in both bearing materials and lubricant technology. Addressing these challenges will require a two-pronged approach—developing more resilient bearing materials while simultaneously engineering lubricants capable of mitigating surface fatigue and wear under extreme operating conditions.
Finally, alternative fuels beyond hydrogen, such as ammonia in the marine industry, will also drive new tribological considerations. As ammonia gains traction as a potential low-carbon fuel, lubricant formulations and engine component designs will need to be adapted to accommodate its distinct properties and combustion characteristics. These shifts underscore the evolving nature of tribology and its expanding role in enabling more sustainable and efficient technologies across multiple industries.
TLT: How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in tribology, and how do you incorporate them into your work?
Morley: As tribology changes and evolves, staying informed requires a multifaceted approach, though it would be impossible to keep on top of it all. I try to regularly read journals such as Tribology International, Wear and the ASME Journal of Tribology to stay updated on some of the research and technological advancements occurring. Additionally, in TLT, STLE offers one of the best industry magazines available, delivering a fantastic resource to see what topics other industry professionals think are worth investigating, as well as industry trends.
I also make sure to actively participate in industry LinkedIn groups and attend tribology and non-tribology conferences, especially STLE, but also smaller conferences.
As part of a company engaged in dynamic, cutting edge projects, we often see emerging trends quite early on due to evolving customer demands. Our involvement in projects like hydrogen tribotesting and sensors for advanced within-test data collection helps give valuable insights into the current trends and areas of research interest, and helps stay at the forefront of innovation.
You can reach James Morley at james@phoenix-tribology.com.