Tribological characteristics of C/C-SiC-Cu composite and Al/SiC composite materials under various contact conditions

The surface temperature of disc brakes varies during braking, which can affect the friction and wear behavior of braking systems. In order to develop an efficient braking system, the friction and wear behaviors of brake materials need to be clearly understood. In this work, the friction and wear behavior of the C/C-SiC-Cu composite and the Al/SiC composite, which are used in disc braking systems, were investigated. Both the surface temperature and contact pressure were studied. A pin-on-reciprocating tribotester was used for this purpose, in order to control temperature and load. Results showed that the friction varied significantly with temperature and sliding distance. It was found that a transfer layer of compacted wear debris formed on the wear track of the two materials. These layers caused the surface roughness of the wear track to increase. The outcome of this work is expected to serve as a basis for the development of braking systems under various operating conditions.