Effects of Structured Fibre on Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Phenolic Composites for Application to Friction Brakes

Jute fibres were processed with different types of structures, and these fibres were applied to prepare friction composites through compression moulding. The Structured Jute fibres reinforced Friction composites (SJF) were heat-treated using a heat treatment tank, and the mechanical and tribological properties of the SJF were investigated with a friction-wear tester. The surface morphologies of friction composites were observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that structured jute fibres could improve impact strength of SJF, but they had no obvious effect on their density and hardness. The friction-wear tests revealed the specimens to present a remarkable fade phenomenon when the test temperature was above 200 degrees C. The presence of the structured jute fibres could decrease the wear rates (V) of SJF when the temperatures were in the range of 250 to 350 degrees C, especially for specimens containing beaded jute fibres and specimens containing dumbbell-shaped jute fibres. They also increased the friction stability and decreased the wear rates of the friction composites. For all specimens, wear rates of the SJF increased with the test temperature. The results of this study could be useful in many applications, such as automobile brake system, clutches and friction gearings.