Technical overview of the main types, designs, and materials of brake pads for mobile agricultural machinery

Abstract

Brake pads are a critical element of any machine, as they directly affect the safety of its use. Accordingly, the quality of brake pads, their resistance, and durability are key aspects that must be considered when developing braking systems for mobile agricultural machinery. The purpose of this study was to review scientific sources related to the study of the tribological properties of brake pads, their operating modes, and friction materials included in brake linings. The main parameters affecting the efficiency of brake pads were analysed and the main criteria for selecting materials for brake pads of mobile agricultural machinery were defined, namely, wear resistance, temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance. Accordingly, the materials used in the production of brake pads for such equipment must be capable of operating under any conditions, have high thermal conductivity, help reduce the wear rate, have a stable friction coefficient, and be environmentally friendly. The study focused on an overview of the types and design of brake pads, their systematisation by various features (by purpose; by design features; by friction material composition; by the presence of wear sensors) and composition (semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic, and ceramic). The study described modern components of friction materials for brake linings and found that they are usually composites formed by hot pressing coarse powders, which include many different components: a binder (thermosetting phenolic resins, often with rubber added), structural materials (metal, carbon, glass, and/or Kevlar fibres), fillers (mica and vermiculite), and friction additives (graphite and various metal sulphides). The study also assessed the main characteristics of friction material components used in the manufacture of brake linings. The findings of this study can provide researchers and scientists with useful information on the types and design of brake pads and the main materials used in the manufacture of brake linings and be useful for further practical development of braking mechanisms