Effects of Hot Molding Parameters on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Brake Pads

Abstract

Hot molding is one of the most important processes for the manufacture of friction materials in automotive brake systems. That is because it has direct impacts on the physical and mechanical properties. Porosity and compressibility affect properties like brake vibration. This then affects brake noise. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the effects of hot molding conditions on the porosity and compressibility of friction materials. The crucial parameters; molding pressure, temperature and holding time were varied in the hot molding process. Porosity and compressibility were investigated and analyzed in relation to the manufacturing parameters using statistical analysis. The results and the correlation coefficients (R2) show that molding pressure and holding time are the most significant effects on porosity and compressibility. They indicate that the hot molding parameters can adequately explain porosity and compressibility.