Evaluation of flyash-filled and aramid fibre reinforced hybrid polymer matrix composites (PMC) for friction braking applications

Flyash-filled and aramid fibre reinforced phenolic based hybrid polymer matrix composites (PMC) were fabricated followed by their characterization and tribo-evaluation. The friction-fade and friction-recovery behaviour has been rigorously evaluated as a function of in situ braking induced temperature rise in the disc at the braking interface on a Krauss friction testing machine as per the ECE regulations. The fade behaviour has been observed to be highly dependent on the weight fraction of resin i.e. followed a consistent decrease with the decrease in the flyash content, whereas the frictional fluctuations (mu(max)-mu(min)) has been observed to decrease with the increase in flyash content. A higher recovery response is registered when the flyash content is 80 wt.%. The analysis of friction performance has revealed that the fade and static friction response are the major determinants of overall frictional response. Wear analysis has revealed that material integrity and temperature rise of the disc decide the wear behaviour. Worn surface morphology investigation using SEM has revealed that the dynamics of formation-destruction of contact patches (friction-layers) and topographical attributes largely influence the friction and wear performance of such composite brake-pads. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.