Role of solid lubricants/sulfide mix in brake performance for automotive applications—a review

Abstract

Friction materials play a crucial role in the safe movement of automobiles and the protection of human life. As the pad slides against its mating partner, the kinetic energy is transferred into frictional heat. The developed friction at the interface causes the vehicle to slow down as its momentum is dissipated as heat in the pads and rotors. Further, it causes the degradation of the binder and thus the stability of the friction coefficient becomes questionable. Therefore, the role of solid lubricants comes to the scenario which tends to mitigate the abrasion. It is noticed that the sulfide mix composites delay the thermal degradation of the binder by increasing its oxidation resistance. Some researchers have achieved this by blending various resins. Further, solid lubricants have a good third body and secondary film-forming ability and thus they reduced the wear, due to their excellent adhesion properties to the metal substrate. Hence, this review focused on the role of different solid lubricants and sulfide mix/sulfide blend in the stabilization of friction coefficient and controlling the wear.