Experimental Study on the Performance Characteristics of Non-asbestos Brake Pads Using a Novel Friction Testing Machine

The friction, wear and mechanical properties of a new non-asbestos brake pad formulation called Premix were investigated. A novel friction-testing machine was utilized to determine tribological behavior. The tribological, physical and mechanical properties of the brake pads were measured and their friction surface morphology was explored via optical and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the Premix affected the friction coefficient. Moreover, it decreased the specific wear rate. The small value of friction coefficient is 0.566 at 90 °C whereas the small value of specific wear rate is 3.8 × 10−8 cm3/N.m at 180 °C. Friction and wear results approximated those of commercial brake pads. It was concluded that the Premix played a crucial role in the tribological, physical and mechanical properties of the brake pads.