“Singapore researchers have always realized the importance of friction at the nanometer scale (i.e. Nanotribology) for the local hard disk drive industry. I believe we will see increasing interest in Nanotribology in newer research areas related to biomedical and MEMs applications, where critical nanoscale friction problems abound”Dr. Sean O’Shea (A*STAR, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Singapore)
“A new paradigm of tribology applications is opening with research on nanometer-scale phenomena. For example, consider how snakes avoid scratches; they use solid surface suspension with nanostructures.”Professor Kyung-Suk Kim (Division of Engineering, Brown University, USA)
“Nano-composite coating offers the opportunities of achieving a combination of the required properties and functions thus providing a multi-purpose solution in a single coating system. This will contribute to significant advances in future generations of products and devices.”Xianting ZENG (A*STAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Singapore)
“For Micro-System Technology to achieve its potential it is essential to design and fabricate devices with predictable levels of performance and reliability. When moving or articulating elements are involved these requirements demand an appropriate understanding of friction and wear. Devices in which these factors have not been adequately considered may either not operate at all or run with operational lives much below their technical or economic requirements.”Prof. John Williams (Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK)
Tribology for Tomorrow
- Download Technical Programme(updated as at 22nd November '08)
- Download Programme at a Glance(updated as at 23rd November '08)
- Download Instruction for Presenters
- Download Presenter CV Form
Welcome Message
On behalf of the local organizing committee of iCAT2008, I extend my very warm welcome to all participants. After the first iCAT in 2004, this conference is the second in series to be organized by the National University of Singapore. We are very honoured by the world tribology community for their overwhelming support given in organizing this second international tribology conference in Singapore. The number of abstracts submitted this time exceeded our expectations with the current figures of 158 oral and 42 poster papers in the technical programme. There are about 200 registered participants representing 31 countries. iCAT2008 definitely provides a very learned platform for tribologists from around the world to present their works and listen to talks given by some of the world-renowned experts in the field.
The technical programme of iCAT2008 features one plenary and six invited keynote talks by some very well-known specialists in their fields. The plenary talk will be given by Professor Hugh Spikes of Imperial College London who has decades of experience in the field of lubrication, and by many, considered a world authority in the field. The invited keynote talks will cover very wide range of subjects within tribology with presentations on micro-systems tribology, carbon materials tribology, nano-tribology and nano-composite coatings. These talks would be of great interest to the participants as they, in many respects, represent the emerging fields within tribology.
The technical programme of iCAT2008 features 32 sessions in very important areas such as lubrication, nano-tribology, bearings, materials, coatings, condition monitoring and industrial tribology. We will have many opportunities for interacting and networking with colleagues who are working in similar areas during reception, lunches and the conference dinner. The conference dinner has the added attraction of a visit to the Singapore’s famous Jurong Bird Park with the dinner to be held at the same site.
This conference would not have been possible without the strong support from our donor and exhibitors. We are truly grateful to the following organizations for their financial supports: The Lee Foundation in Singapore, Crest Technology Pte Ltd / CSM Instruments, Dymek Company Ltd / Centre for Tribology, Ducom Instruments PVT Ltd, Veeco Asia Pte Ltd, PCS Instruments and LMS Technologies Pte Ltd / INNOWEP Gmbh.
Finally, I wish you an excellent time here in Singapore which presents a mixture of cultures, nationalities and is blessed with green nature!
Sujeet K. Sinha
iCAT2008 Chairman
