Friction elements based on phenolic resin and slate powder

Abstract

Braking performance is dependent on friction materials of tribological components, generally metal and pad. The pad consists of a composite of thermosetting resin and reinforcement material that exhibits mechanical and wear resistant, heat conduction, lubricant, and others. Slate is a natural rock composed of extremely fine materials that brings interesting tribological properties, in addition, its industrial current activity generates a significant amount of mineral waste, which is a problem for the environment. The objective of this work was to propose a technological alternative as a new friction element based on slate particulate as tribological reinforcement in composite based on phenolic resin as a matrix, besides that, minimize the environmental impact due to the inadequate disposal of these slate tailings and add value to the mineral, classifying it as a residue to be used industrially and no longer as waste. In this sense, the effect of the amount of slate on the friction properties of the brake pads made was investigated. As the brake pad material, four different slate containing formulations were proposed, manufactured and analyzed, and as the brake wheel gray iron was chosen. The friction and wear characteristics were determined by Pin-on-Disk type tribological tests, the pair was composed by disk (pad formulations) and pin of gray iron, representing the brake wheel. The coefficients of friction of the composites were shown to be regular and stable, with an average of 0.44 between the samples. Among the results obtained, the formulation containing 40 % of slate and 35 % of phenolic resin, presented the most satisfactory parameters compared to commercial friction materials in current use.