Modern Carbon Composite Brake Materials

Abstract

Carbon-carbon composites used in friction systems are becoming increasingly popular in aircrafts owing to their combination of low weight and high performance. Their current acceptance as brake materials is somewhat restrained due to two factors: cost and performance variations. Many manufacturers are taking steps toward improving their cost efficiency by utilizing lower cost precursor fibers and processing methodologies. At the same time, modifications to material properties are made to address performance issues of oxidation, wear, and variation of effectiveness. This paper describes the present status of the production technologies employed and details some of the remaining issues relative to braking performance.