Performance assessment of phenolic-based non-asbestos organic brake friction composite materials with different abrasives

Abstract

This research article presents the effects of different abrasives (aluminium oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide) on tribological performance of non-asbestos brake friction materials. Therefore, friction composites with different abrasives were fabricated and characterized for various mechanical, chemical, and physical properties. The tribological properties of the friction composites were evaluated by running a European testing standard on a Krauss testing machine. It was seen that the different sorts of abrasives substantially affected the tribological performance of the friction composites. The highest values of friction coefficient (0.425), least friction fluctuations (0.252), highest stability coefficient (0.87) as well as the lowest fade (~ 23%) were obtained from the friction composites containing aluminum oxide as an abrasive. The recovery performance of all the friction composites was found to exceed 100% and the actual recovery level depends upon the type of abrasive. Contrary to the friction performance, the wear performance decreased for aluminum oxide and friction composite containing zinc oxide showed higher wear resistance.