Functionalization of alumina particles to improve the performance of eco-friendly brake-pads

Abstract

Abrasives, such as oxides of alumina (Al), silica (Si), zirconia (Zr), chromium (Cr) etc., are added to raise the friction level and also to remove the glaze on the disc so that surface will be rejuvenated continuously during braking and will contribute to maintain the desired friction level. However, these inorganic particles have less adhesion with the resin/binder and hence are easily dug out during wearing process contributing to higher wear. If efforts are made to enhance the filler-matrix adhesion, not only the wear of friction material (FM) should reduce, the particles may stay for a longer time on the tribo-surface of the pads to contribute fully towards controlling the coefficient of friction (μ). In the present study, alumina particles were selected for siloxane treatment to improve the filler-matrix adhesion. Two types of eco-friendly (free from asbestos and Cu) brake-pads were developed using alumina as a theme ingredient (treated and untreated) keeping all the parent formulation identical. An additional type of brake-pads without alumina particles was also developed to observe the effect of abrasive particles on the tribo-performance. The performance properties (physical, mechanical, and tribological) of brake-pads were compared when evaluated in identical conditions. The tribo-testing was done on full-scale brake inertia dynamometer following the procedure in Japanese automobile standard (JASO C 406). It was observed that siloxane treatment affected both friction and wear of brake-pads in a beneficial way. Wear resistance got increased 35% for siloxane treated pads. Worn surfaces were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) technique.