Study on Heat Fading of Phenolic Resin Friction Material for Micro-automobile Clutch

Basing on the national test standard GB/5763-98 for fixed speed friction tester, a sample test has been designed to study the friction behavior of friction material for micro-automobile clutch. This test was applied with constant load at different temperatures and various sliding speeds. The heat fading mechanism of friction material was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is concluded that the heat fading is caused by the dynamic lubrication of lubricating layer or air cushion layer created by the heat decomposition of resin at high temperature, which consequently results in dramatic decline of friction coefficients. And the mechanism is the transition from dry friction of the typical abrasive wear and adhesive wear to lubrication friction with liquid-lubricating abrasive wear.