Effects of fly ash content on the friction-wear performance of bronze-based brake lining materials produced by the hot-pressing method

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of fly ash content on the friction–wear performance of bronze-based brake lining material. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, bronze-based brake linings containing 0-12 weight per cent fly ash were produced by the hot-pressing process. The friction-wear properties of the unreinforced bronze matrix brake lining material and fly ash reinforced samples were investigated using a Chase-type friction tester. The hardness and density of the samples were also determined. The microstructures and friction surfaces of the samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Findings – The experimental results showed that the fly ash content significantly affects the friction-wear properties of the brake lining material. It was found that the friction coefficient increases with the increase in the fly ash content for the brake lining materials studied. Moreover, the mass losses in the wear test were lower for the brake linings containing over 4 weight per cent fly ash than unreinforced bronze-based lining material. Originality/value – This study has proven to be useful in exploring fly ash particles as low cost reinforcing materials in improving the friction–wear performance of bronze-based brake lining material. In addition, the use of fly ash particles in the manufacture of brake lining materials contributes to reducing the production cost of brake linings and to a sustainable environment.