Influence of various metallic fillers in friction materials on hot-spot appearance during stop braking

The heat generated between friction couple during high speed braking induces thermal distortion in the disc and leads to appearance of hot spots. The nature and extent of intensity of this phenomenon are highly influenced by the mechanical and thermal properties of materials. In the present work, three non-asbestos organic (NAO) friction composites with three metallic particulate fillers (iron, copper and brass) were developed. They were evaluated on a specially designed tribometer for enabling the studies of hot spots and thermal localization phenomenon under braking conditions. Overall, composite with iron powder proved best by showing least tendency for hot-spot generation.