Effect of size and shape of copper alloys particles on the mechanical and tribological behavior of friction materials

Friction materials are composed of numerous ingredients which differ from nature and particles size. Each ingredient has its own impact on the mechanical and tribological behavior of the material. Brass ingredients have a great impact on the thermal gradient dissipation in the sliding contact between disc and brake pad material. In this research, the influence of different sizes and forms of brass ingredient was studied on the friction material behavior. The physical (density), mechanical (yield strength, young module) and thermal (thermal conductivity and specific heat) properties of the considered composites were characterized. Results proves that only physical and mechanical properties are sensitive to the changes in size and form of brass particles. The tribological behavior of the brake friction materials was also assessed using a pin-on-disc tribometer. The results show that bigger brass particles and their elongated shape allows it to be well embedded on the pad surface during braking application, and thus decreased wear rate . In contrast, the smaller particle decrease the friction stability and it rounded shape increase wear of the material since it tearing from the surface by abrasive wear.