Investigations on the tribological behavior of functionally gradient iron-based brake pad material

In this study, a functionally gradient iron-based brake pad material was developed and the tribological behavior was studied. The functionally gradient specimen had more copper near the base plate and more abrasives towards the top, which provides excellent joint strength and serves the purpose of braking, respectively. The layers had a hybrid composition of metallic materials (Fe, Cu), and abrasives (silicon carbide and aluminum oxide) to improve the strength, wear resistance, and toughness. Graphite was added to stabilize the specimen's thermal and friction characteristics at high temperature. The microstructure, wear rate, and friction coefficient of the functionally gradient specimen and the conventionally sintered specimen were evaluated. The results indicate that the wear resistance of the functionally gradient specimen is higher than the wear resistance of conventional specimen.