Tribological properties of C/C-SiC composites for brake discs

This study examines the friction and wear of ceramic matrix composites designed for use in automotive brake discs. The composites are produced by reinforcing a SiC matrix with carbon fibers using a liquid silicon infiltration method. C/C-SiC composites with two different compositions are fabricated to examine the compositional effect on the tribological properties. The tribological properties are evaluated using a scale dynamometer with a low-steel type friction material. The results show that the coefficient of friction is determined by the composition of the composite, which affects the propensity of friction film formation on the disc surface. A stable friction film on the disc surface also improves the wear resistance by diminishing the abrasive action of the disc. On the other hand, the friction film formation on the disc is affected by the applied pressure, and stable films are obtained at high pressures. This trend is prominent with discs with high Si content. However, both C/C/-SiC composites show superior performance in terms of the friction force oscillation, which is closely related to brake-induced vibration.