Tribochemistry, the study of chemical reactions in tribological interfaces, plays a critical role in determining friction and wear behavior. One method researchers have used to explore tribochemistry is “reactive” molecular dynamics simulation based on empirical models that capture the formation and breaking of chemical bonds. This review summarizes studies that have been performed using reactive molecular dynamics simulations of chemical reactions in sliding contacts. Topics include shear-driven reactions between and within solid surfaces, between solid surfaces and lubricating fluids, and within lubricating fluids. The review concludes with a perspective on the contributions of reactive molecular dynamics simulations to the current understanding of tribochemistry, as well as opportunities for this approach going forward.

Van der Waals (vdW) forces play a fundamental role in the structure and behavior of diverse systems. Because of development of functionals that include nonlocal correlation, it is possible to study the effects of vdW interactions in systems of industrial and tribological interest. Here we simulated within the framework of density functional theory (DFT) the adsorption of isooctane (2,2,4-trimethylpentane) and ethanol on an Fe(100) surface, employing various exchange–correlation functionals to take vdW forces into account. In particular, this paper discusses the effect of vdW forces on the magnitude of adsorption energies, equilibrium geometries, and their role in the binding mechanism. According to our calculations, vdW interactions increase the adsorption energies and reduce the equilibrium distances. Nevertheless, they do not influence the spatial configuration of the adsorbed molecules. Their effect on the electronic density is a nonisotropic, delocalized accumulation of charge between the molecule and the slab. In conclusion, vdW forces are essential for the adsorption of isooctane and ethanol on a bcc Fe(100) surface.