Investigation of The Effect of Solid Lubricant Particle Sizes on Friction and Wear Properties in Friction Composites: An Experimental Case Study with Graphite

Friction composites consist of many materials with various properties. Solid lubricant is one of these materials. The task of the solid lubricant in the compo-site is to protect the counter surfaces against wear and to reduce noise and vibra-tion. Typical solid lubricants used in the friction composite are graphite, antimo-ny trisulfide, molybdenum disulfide, copper sulfide, etc. The selection suitable solid lubricants for better braking performance is an important issue, as solid lubricants may decompose at high temperatures, leading to undesirable results. The particle size of the solid lubricant used is at least as important as itself. In this study, the effect of micro and nanoparticle-sized graphite on friction and wear behavior of friction composites was investigated experimentally. Two brake lining were prepared containing 10 wt.% nanographite and micrographite, were produced by powder metallurgy technique. The brake lining samples have been tested under Friction Assessment and Screening Test (FAST). The frictional and physical properties of the produced samples were determined by appropriate tests. According to the test results obtained, micro and nanoparticle size were compared in many respects and the most ideal size was determined for graphite.