Surface analytical techniques in the study of the basic mechanisms of friction and wear is increasing. New treatments used to control wear and friction include laser surface melting, ion implantation, diamond and CBN coatings, ion vapor deposition and chemical vapour deposition. Along with these deposits comes an increased need for surface science analytical techniques. Even in failure analysis, where it was recently considered too expensive, these techniques have become more practical. The book provides the tribologist with a practical guide to the use of surface analytical techniques. Including material on the current understanding of friction and wear mechanisms from the standpoint of the surface state, this book aims to acquaint scientists and engineers involved with tribological problems with the potentials and limitations of current surface analytical techniques. Detailed information about the individual characterization techniques mentioned can be found in the "Encyclopaedia of Materials Characterization", the companion volume to the books in this series.