Friction characteristics of a brake friction material under different braking conditions

As the evaluation of the tribological properties of the brake lining material is important for the braking performance identification, a pad-on-disc friction and wear tests of a commercial brake pad material against cast iron disc were conducted under low, middle and severe conditions. Three experiments via (t1), (t2) and (t3) with different sliding speeds and nominal contact pressure were conducted. Tests were performed with the pad in periodic sliding contact for 30 cycles. The scanning electronic microscopic (SEM) analysis with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) was used to characterize the rubbed surface. The results showed that during the run-in period, the coefficient of friction increases steadily. For the friction mechanism: (i) at lower conditions, a stable friction film was generated on the surface of the brake pad, providing excellent friction stability with less wear, (ii) at middle conditions, fibers were agglomerated and were not contributed more, and (iii) at higher conditions, contact plates were identified which were accommodated the speed and the load.