Tribiological behavior of modified phenolic resin composites for braking applications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of binder effect on tribological behavior of brake friction composite materials: a case study of phenolic resin modified by N-Methylaniline. Design/methodology/approach Four different friction materials have been fabricated by varying modified phenolic resin content. The samples were prepared by the conventional powder metallurgy methods following ball milling, mixing, pre-forming, hot pressing and post-curing processes. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to determination of the degradation mechanism of organic components and study of thermal stability of the samples. A friction test was carried out in dry conditions using a vertical tribometer. Analysis of worn surfaces was performed using a scanning electron microscope. Findings The experimental results revealed that the sample containing 25 Wt.% phenolic resin has good mechanical and thermal properties with stable friction characteristics. Originality/value This paper presents the effect of N-methylaniline modified phenolic resin on friction composites to improve tribological performance by its thermal properties.