PHYSICOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF THE WORK OF PASSENGER CAR BRAKE LININGS. PART II THE EFFECT OF LUBRICATING ADDITIVES

The paper presents the influence of various systems of lubricating additives which determine the performance of the friction materials of brake linings. The base hybrid friction material formulation was modified with various types of lubricating additives. These additives are divided into groups containing commonly used lubricating materials: carbons and sulphides, compounded in various proportions, influencing the formation and structure of the so-called third body layer (TBL) on the surface of the brake disc because of braking. Raman Spectroscopy (RS), time of flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy with an X-ray analyser (SEM-EDS) equipped with a focus ion beam (FIB) were used for chemical and morphological analysis of the surface layer of brake disc after breaking tests. The results of the physicochemical analysis of TBL were correlated with the results of tribological tests (according to the SAE-J2522 procedure, commonly known as AK-Master) on a brake dynamometer adapted to the measurements of acoustic signals (NVH – noise, vibration, and harshness). The obtained results confirm the important role played by the so-called third body layer, formed on the surface of the brake disc for safety (COF), durability (wear of friction elements) and the acoustic spectrum accompanying braking.