Influence of Alumina Fiber Content on Properties of Non-Asbestos Organic Brake Friction Material

In order to replace the conventional asbestos friction material, a non-asbestos organic (NAO) friction material is developed with alumina fiber. The effect of alumina fiber content from 0-20wt% on the physical and mechanical properties is investigated. Making use of these properties, the wear properties are predicted. It is observed that with the increase in alumina content the specific gravity and the elastic modulus of the material decreases. But the compressive strength, hardness, tensile strength, and shear strength increases linearly. There was no significant change in glass transition and decomposition temperature of the composites with variation in alumina fiber content. The theoretical prediction based on simplified assumptions indicates that wear properties are improving with alumina content.