Experimental studies of various reinforcing fibres in automotive disc brake pad on friction stability, thermal stability and wear

Thermal degradation is significant to determine the thermal stability of product considering the brake application. The present paper deals with the role of various fibres namely aramid, acrylic and cellulose fibres on the fade and recovery behaviour of friction composites. The formulations containing loading level of 10, 12.5 and 15 of these organic fibres are developed as brake pads and designated as NA01, NA02 and NA03 respectively. Thermal analysis using thermo gravimetric analysis reveals that the composite NA03 had minimum weight loss. The tribological properties tested using friction coefficient test rig following SAE 661a standards showed that fade mu and recovery mu percentage are significantly influenced by the amount and type of fibre combinations. The composite NA03 has consistent friction level. Thus, thermal stability could be correlated with the friction stability. Also, wear rate is less in the case of NA03 proving it to be the best performer.