Understanding the composition and structure of a surface is essential in understanding its frictional (Tribological) properties. This volume in the Materials Characterization series will focus on surface characterization, including roughness, hardness, coating thickness and bond strength. Advanced characterization methods are also covered for applications in magnetic recording media, rolling contact bearings and other high-tech systems. — Reviews major physical principles of tribology, including adhesion, friction, abrasion and surface boundary conditions — Special section on surface characterization of magnetic recording surfaces — Concise summaries of major characterization technologies for tribological materials, including SEM, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Static Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy