Characteristic evaluation of brake block material

Abstract

This paper reports on a comparison of the frictional characteristics of three different samples of brake block materials. Two commercial brake blocks (composite and grey iron/metallic) and a non-commercial composite brake block were extracted to form pins (specimens), and then their frictional properties were evaluated using a pin-on-disc apparatus. The non-commercial composite brake block that was investigated in this work was developed as a substitute for the grey iron brake block. The results revealed that the composite brake blocks had a higher wear resistance and were more stable in terms of their coefficient of friction at various contact pressures and sliding speeds compared to the grey iron brake block. The non-commercial composite brake block that was developed in this research had a coefficient of friction that was close to that of the grey iron brake block, and hence, it can be considered as a substitute for the grey iron brake block.