The effect of crystallinity of potassium titanate whisker on the tribological behavior of NAO friction materials

In this study, the effect of crystallinity of potassium titanate whisker on the tribological behavior was investigated. The higher crystallinity whiskers showed enhanced ability in improving the friction coefficient than the lower crystallinity whiskers. During the fade testing process, low crystallinity whiskers were more effective to stabilize the friction coefficient. During the recovery testing process, high crystallinity whiskers were more effective to stabilize the friction coefficient. High crystallinity whiskers were more effective in the improvement of wear resistance. In order to understand the friction and wear behaviors, the worn surfaces and wear debris were analyzed by means of SEM. The results revealed that the higher crystallinity whiskers was significant to form stable contact plateaus. •The K2Ti6O13 synthesized by hydrothermal method were used in NAO friction materials.•The low crystallinity whiskers improved fade performance.•The high crystallinity whiskers improved recovery performance and friction stability.•Composite reinforced with high crystallinity whiskers showed good wear resistance.