Selection of Best Formulation for Semi-Metallic Brake Friction Materials Development

Brake friction materials play an important role in braking system. They convert the kinetic energy of a moving car to thermal energy by friction during braking process. The ideal brake friction material should have constant coefficient of friction under various operating conditions such as applied loads, temperature, speeds, mode of braking and in dry or wet conditions so as to maintain the braking characteristics of a vehicle. Besides, it should also posses various desirable properties such as resistance to heat, water and oil, has low wear rate and high thermal stability, exhibits low noise, and does not damage the brake disc. However, it is practically impossible to have all these desired properties. Therefore, some requirements have to be compromised in order to achieve some other requirements. In general, each formulation of friction material has its own unique frictional behaviours and wear-resistance characteristics.