Effects of bamboo fibers on friction performance of friction materials

The mechanical properties of bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla) fiber were evaluated. The friction and wear performance of the bamboo fiber-reinforced friction materials (BFRFMs) were tested on a constant speed friction tester. The results showed that the friction coefficient of BFRFMs (reinforced with 3 wt.%, 6 wt.% and 9 wt.% bamboo fibers) was higher than those of the non-BFRFM with identical ingredients and process conditions during the temperature increasing procedure. The friction coefficient of 12 wt.% BFRFMs decreased with increasing temperature during temperature increasing procedure, but fluctuation appeared at 200 degrees C and then it decreased again with increasing temperature. The friction coefficients of BFRFMs with 3 wt.% bamboo fiber were higher than that with other bamboo fiber contents. Specific wear rate of BFRFMs increased with the temperature increasing during temperature-increasing procedure, and the wear rates of BFRFM with 3 wt.% fiber were lower than that of others. Morphologies of wear surfaces of friction materials were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the friction characteristics were discussed. The results showed that carbonized bamboo fiber can reduce the specific wear rate and the noise and provide stable friction coefficient.