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Automotive brake linings are complex composite materials. Some raw materials used by manufacturers or the compounds created during the friction process might be potentially hazardous and may cause various adverse effects. Different fractions of the brake wear debris can be released during braking: i) the airborne and ii) the nonairborne. Due to the small size and minimum gravitational action, the airborne particles could be spread for long distances from a source and typically remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. Our previous research demonstrated that the airborne fraction contains considerable amounts of different nanoparticulates. On the other hand, the emitted nonairborne fraction typically settles on vehicle/brake hardware surfaces and in the vicinity of roads. The nonairborne particles are considered to be relatively large, but it was shown that nano-sized particles readily attach to them and can be released later.

This paper describes test results from an experimental fibered KEVLAR®, copper-free para-aramid needlefelt composite friction material enhanced with benign metal nanoparticles. Kevlar felt-reinforced polyimide composite, enhanced with nanoparticles, exhibit a higher coefficient of friction than similar friction materials without nanoparticles but retain the low wear rate exhibited by those materials during full scale dynamometer testing, using the J2430 test. The threshold nanoparticle content to produce appreciable friction coefficient gains was determined. At the content levels investigated, the rotor wear was virtually undetectable while low wear rate was comparable with those materials without nanoparticles. Agglomeration and distribution of nanoparticles was investigated as it pertains to friction performance and wear. New environmental regulations limiting copper content in friction materials will restrict the use of popular components found in conventional friction.

Automotive brake lining materials are complex composites consisting of numerous ingredients allowing for their optimal performance. Since regulations are increasingly limiting Cu content in brake pads and Cu exhibits extremely high thermal conductivity, graphites being excellent heat conducting materials themselves, are often considered for use as potential Cu replacement. This paper surveys the role of two types of carbons (Superior Graphite) with high thermal conductivity but different mechanical properties and morphology: the so-called i) purified flake graphite (PFG) and the ii) resilient graphitic carbon (RGC). A successful “high-end” commercial low-metallic brake pad was re-formulated (SIU Carbondale) by removing of over 20 wt. % of Cu and replacing it with a cocktail of ingredients including 15 wt. % of these two graphite types (RGC and PFG).

The brake wear contribution to the environmental pollution has been extensively discussed, with major focus on asbestos and heavy metals released to the environment. Only limited attention was paid to released organic compounds generated during friction processes, although the organic and carbonaceous components are not the minor part in brake lining formulations. Friction processes in brakes are associated with relatively high temperatures and high pressures on the friction surfaces which relates to the thermal decomposition of the organic components in friction materials and to brake lining thermal fade. Thus, this study focuses on the identification of organic compounds released from a model low metallic brake material.

The objective of this paper is to announce the results of testing and analysis, including friction characteristics and thermal properties, of a friction material from a novel manufacturing process. A Kevlar felt-reinforced polyimide matrix composite (“Braketex®”), including results with fiber modifications hybridized with glass or carbon nanofibers, is investigated. Dry brake friction testing on a dynamometer simulating various aircraft landing brake energy levels using disc samples having 4.625″ O.D. × 3.625″ I.D. (11.7475cm × 9.2075cm friction area is equal to 41.74 cm2) single friction material surfaces against cast iron and other reactor surfaces was conducted. Thermal conductivity of Braketex was low and reactor plates absorbed most energy, showing insignificant wear below 50% of the energy level simulating a Boeing 747 normal landing. Friction stability was exhibited through approximately 80% of the landing energy.