The effect of boron friction modifier on the performance of brake pads

Friction and wear characteristics of material in an automotive brake system play important role for efficient and safe brake performance. Commercial brake friction materials normally contain mainly alumina (Al2O3) and other ingredients. In this investigation, five groups of locally developed semi-metallic composite friction materials were studied for friction and wear. Abrasive material named aluminium oxide which existed in ZMF formulation was taken out. It was replaced by consistent different weight percentages of boron, i.e., 0.6%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% and then mixed into the ZMF formulation. The friction tests were performed using the friction material test machine called CHASE machine. The results demonstrated that the formulation using boron mixed brake pads produced higher normal and hot friction coefficient at GG class value than those of the commercial brake pad samples. All friction coefficients of boron samples increased at the beginning of braking stages until 20 braking applications. It appeared that an overall friction coefficient value declined with the increase in drum temperature. However, the reduction of friction coefficient for all boron mixed brake pads was much more constant and stable as compared to the commercial brake pad.