Tribological properties of some phenolic composites suggested for automotive brakes

Brake linings used in automotive disk brakes are usually made of various components such as phenolic resin, Cu powder, BaSO4, Al2O3, etc. In this study, 20 specimens with different compositions of the components were manufactured and a pad-on-disc-type wear tester was used. Friction and wear characteristics of the specimens next to a disk made of cast iron were studied. In addition, micro-structural characterisation of braking pads was carried out using SEM and also the effect of temperature on behaviour of the pads was investigated at the temperatures of 50–400 °C and pressure of 1050 and 3000 kPa. Finally, the effect of environment on the pads was investigated in water, salty water, oil and braking liquid media.