EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE PERCENTAGE OFCOPPER CONTENT ON THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THEFRICTION MATERIAL

Abstract

Copper is one of the main components of friction materials used in vehicles’brake systems. It is mainly used due to two features: good thermal conductivity and lubricity. Unfortunately, it is harmful no only to humansbut also more to aquatic life. For this reason, there is anattempt to minimize its use. This paper presents the results of testing four groups of samples with different Cu contents(5, 10, 15,and 20%). Laboratory tests were performed using calorimetry, hot wire method,and pin-on-disc method. This allowed to determine selected physico-chemical material properties of samples, which were then used for simulation studies. They were intended to check how the heating process of friction materials with a chemical composition such as made samples will proceedin real conditions, in real brake pads.

Keywords

• friction material
• copper
• brakes systems