Tribology and Advanced Materials in Fluid Power Technology

Tribological phenomena such as friction, wear, and lubrication significantly affect the efficiency, reliability, and service life of hydraulic components. We research the behavior of contacts in valves, pumps, seals, and other fluid power systems. We pay special attention to developing material pairs for use in mineral oils, water, and environmentally friendly lubricants. Our research includes materials, surface treatments, and protective coatings for reducing wear and energy losses. We also study the influence of wear particles, polymer composites, and advanced materials on the operation of hydraulic systems, and we contribute to the development of sustainable and energy-efficient solutions in fluid power technology.
Highlighted Achievements
Green Tribology
Development of sustainable tribological solutions using environmentally friendly lubricants and new materials.
Internationally Recognized Publications
The research group publishes results in leading journals in the fields of tribology, materials, and fluid power technology.
Supporting the Development of Water Hydraulics
Development of material pairs and contact surfaces that enable the reliable operation of water-hydraulic components.
Key Activities
Material Pairs for Water Hydraulics
Researchers

Ana Trajkovski PhD, Univ. Dipl. Eng. Mech.
Head of the Research Group
Email: ana.trajkovski@fs.uni-lj.si

Nejc Novak PhD, Dipl. Eng. Mech.
Email: nejc.novak@fs.uni-lj.si
and other laboratory collaborators as part of research projects.
Active Projects
CODE-GM (2022–2025)
Designing contacts at the nanoscale for high-performance, energy-efficient, and lightweight components for green mobility

TriboADAM
Development of new materials, geometries, and manufacturing processes to improve the tribological properties of components.
Selected Publications
Glycerol Aqueous Solutions for the Enhanced Tribological Behaviour of Polymer Composites Sliding Against Steel
Sliding Properties of Anodized Aluminium Alloy Tested in Water and Hydraulic Oil
Wear of Hydraulic Pump with Real Particles and Medium Test Dust
Performance of Polymer Composites Lubricated with Glycerol and Water as Green Lubricants
Green Tribology for the Sustainable Engineering of the Future
→ Link to all publications in this area
Key Topics for Theses
Selected Topics
- Tribological properties of modern materials
- Valves, seals, and sliding contacts
- Wear of hydraulic pumps and components
- Polymer materials for fluid power applications
- Wear diagnostics and the influence of particles
- Water hydraulics and sustainable material pairs
→ Link to the list of all theses
