Effects of friction film mechanical properties on the tribological performance of ceramic enhanced resin matrix friction materials

In the tribological properties of ceramic enhanced resin matrix friction materials, friction film created at tribological interface plays significant roles. Herein, the present study primarily focused on the correlation between friction film mechanical properties and friction performance, which had been rarely reported. Bigger quartz particles were designedly selected to reinforce one certain resin matrix. The friction performance was tested on a pad-on-disc friction machine. The mechanical features of friction film formed on particles surface were characterized through the Nano/Micro indentation method, and the micro-topography was observed by SEM. Results showed that friction coefficient decreases with the increasing binders in the range of 21.9–29.4 wt.%. It was ascribed to the gradual decrease of friction film strength which reduced the resistance during adhesive friction. The fade resistance was inversely proportional to the friction film thickness. It was attributed to the degradation of organic binders at high temperatures which adversely affected the friction film integrality. The materials wear was not detectable due to the ceramic particles having great wear resistance.