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.