Influence of metal sulfide coated steel fibers on the friction and wear performance of brake friction composites

The tribological performance of iron sulfide and antimony trisulfide coated steel fibers was assessed by rein-forcing the brake pad composition following the Indian Standard IS2742. The worn surfaces were analysed using SEM and 3D surface profilometer. The brake pads containing metal sulfide-coated steel fiber showed 33% more resistance to wear loss due to the presence of metal sulfide in the contact plateau against uncoated steel fiber. The worn surfaces revealed that the uncoated steel fibers exhibited abrasion and debonding of fibers, whereas metal sulfide coated steel fibers showed a mixed mode of wear mechanism by forming primary and secondary plateaus. The best overall performance was demonstrated by the brake pad sample containing 10 wt% of antimony trisulfide coated steel fiber.

Automated summary

The use of metal sulfide coated steel fibers can improve the wear resistance of brake pads and create a mixed mode of wear mechanism.