Challenges in introducing ceramic fiber and other hybrid reinforcements in friction materials

Abstract

In this study, an attempt was made to develop a high strength thermal resistant friction material using ceramic fiber as the main fiber and varying the wollastonite content. In addition to the ceramic fiber, 19 various ingredients were considered as fibers, frictional additives and fillers for improving the performance of the composite. The main challenge is to develop a friction material capable of withstanding dynamic loads and severe temperatures encountered during braking. Three friction materials (CERA-I, CERA-II, and CERA-III) were fabricated using a hot press method. After fabrication, the samples were evaluated for physical and mechanical properties. The actual performance was predicted using a friction test rig equipment. The tests were carried at pressures of 30 MPa and 15 MPa under a speed of 600 rpm. The materials were characterized using Scanning electron microscope (SEM), EDXA, porosity and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) for determination of distribution of ingredients and chemicals present in the composite. The results revealed that, inclusion of ceramic fiber with other ingredients possess superior properties in terms of mechanical, physical and wear properties. Out of these three samples, CERA-III friction material exhibited better performance compared to the remaining samples.