Polymer Tribology for Advanced Technologies: From Biomedical Implants to Flexible Electronics

Abstract

This review provides a systematic overview of polymer tribology in two rapidly evolving fields, biomedical implants and flexible electronics, where frictional behavior and wear resistance directly determine device longevity and functional reliability. In joint replacements, ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) components suffer from long‐term wear debris‐induced osteolysis and complex physiological lubrication challenges. For flexible electronics, repeated mechanical deformation causes interfacial delamination, signal artifacts, and fretting degradation in displays, sensors, and energy storage devices. To address these issues, the review examines four categories of advanced solutions: (i) self‐lubricating composites based on microcapsule‐encapsulated liquid lubricants and solid–liquid synergistic fillers; (ii) self‐healing polymers employing dynamic covalent and non‐covalent bonds to repair mechanical and electrical damage; (iii) bioinspired and stimuli‐responsive polymers that enable on‐demand friction regulation; and (iv) surface micro/nano‐texturing together with functional coatings for enhanced wettability, adhesion, and wear resistance. The role of emerging in situ characterization techniques and multi‐scale computational modeling in revealing tribological mechanisms is also highlighted. Despite notable progress, critical gaps remain in long‐term stability under realistic physiological and operational conditions, standardized testing protocols, and scalable manufacturing. Future research directions emphasize closed‐loop adaptive systems, integrated experimental–simulation frameworks, and interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate clinical translation and commercial deployment of next‐generation polymer‐based tribological devices.