A comparative evaluation of friction and wear in alternative materials for brake friction composites

OBRABOTKAMETALLOV technology Vol. 27 No. 2 2025 the selection of suitable materials for friction composites of brake pads is a decisive factor in achieving high braking performance [1]. Brake friction composites consist of fibers, binders, friction modifiers, and fillers, which determine their crucial tribological properties [2–3]. Careful selection of materials is necessary to prevent excessive wear and degradation of friction characteristics [4–5]. Evolution of Non-Asbestos Brake Friction Composites Asbestos, due to its excellent friction and wear-resistant properties, has traditionally been used as the main component of brake composites materials. However, due to serious health hazards, its use has been restricted [6–7]. In recent years, alternative materials have been actively developed to replace asbestos [8–10]. Based on the use of metallic fillers, Kumar and Bijwe [11] investigated the influence of operating parameters on friction in brake friction composite. The study analyzed the friction characteristics of a non-asbestos organic composite under dynamically varying pressure and speed. It was found that copper powder effectively reduces the sensitivity of friction properties to changes in operating parameters. Further studies have shown the importance of understanding the dependence of friction properties on composite composition and have identified ways to improve the efficiency and durability of friction materials [12]. Bhanudas Bachchhav et al. [13] studied the wear performance of non-asbestos friction materials when sliding against a gray cast iron disc. The results of the study provided information on the wear rate of materials and facilitated the selection of suitable friction materials for braking systems [10–13]. Reinforcing Components in Brake Friction Composites The addition of reinforcing components improves the mechanical and tribological properties of brake friction composites [1]. Prabhu et al. investigated the effect of reinforcement with bimodal particles. Composites reinforced with mullite demonstrated higher performance than composites with silica filler [14]. Abrasives in Brake Friction Composites The selection of abrasive components plays a crucial role in determining the wear resistance of brake composites. Tej Singh and Amar Patnaik [15] investigated the effect of various abrasives on the performance of non-asbestos brake friction materials. It was experimentally established that friction composites containing aluminum oxide have higher performance characteristics. The results of the study provide valuable insights for the selection of abrasive components in the development of high-performance non-asbestos brake friction composite materials [3–5]. Novel Materials for Brake Friction Composites Recent studies demonstrate the benefits of incorporating novel materials into the composition of brake composites [10–13]. Vlastimil Matějka [16] evaluated the influence of g-C3N4 on the formation of copper-free friction composites of brake pads. Extensive research has been conducted to develop effective non-asbestos materials [15–19]. The introduction of high-strength components and optimized abrasives demonstrates the prospect of improving tribological properties [20–22]. The use of innovative materials, such as graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), opens up opportunities for the development of eco-friendly and high-performance brake pad materials [3–17]. Pin-on-disk tribological tests allow evaluating wear, friction, and durability, determining the suitability of materials for use in braking systems [23–25]. The presented research contributes to the expanding knowledge base regarding brake friction composites by analyzing existing literature, focusing on their tribological properties and wear resistance, and proposing alternative composite solutions for braking systems. The results also outline future research directions in the area of optimized selection of friction materials for braking system applications.

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