The effects of applied load on the coefficient of friction in Cu-MMC brake pad/Al-SiCp MMC brake disc system

In this study, the frictional and wear characteristics of sintered copper matrix composite brake pads against cast Al–Si/SiCp brake disc and the effects of applied load on the coefficient of friction have been reported. Tribological behavior of Cu-MMC/Al-MMC couple was studied using Pin-on-Disc tribometer. The aluminum metal matrix composite material was used as a disc, whereas the graphite reinforced copper matrix composite was used as a brake pad. Frictional surfaces were investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The amount of wear of both brake disc and pad cannot be measured since trace amount of material was transferred. These phenomena also proved that the brake disc and the pad have high wear resistance. The friction layer on the brake padʹs worn surface was confirmed as mostly of carbon and copper oxides.