Research on friction and wear properties of new energy micro logistics vans brake materials under different ambient temperature and humidity conditions

Abstract

This study explores the friction and wear performance of brake materials for new energy micro logistics vans under different ambient temperature (3 °C, 23 °C, 43 °C) and humidity conditions (35 %, 65 %, 95 %) using pin-disc experimental device. The findings reveal that at 3 °C, the friction coefficient exhibits extreme sensitivity to changes in humidity, with a significant reduction as humidity increases. Simultaneously, the increase of humidity leads to the transition from adhesive wear to abrasive wear and fatigue wear. At room temperature (23 °C) and 43 °C, humidity has minimal impact on the friction coefficient; however, higher humidity promotes oxidation film formation on the friction surface leading to dominant oxidation wear. Notably, in low-humidity environments, temperatures at 3 °C and 43 °C cause severe brake pad wear. The severity is greater at 43 °C because the resin-based components within the brake pad material decompose at elevated temperatures. Under such circumstances, appropriately increased humidity helps mitigate brake pad wear rates. However, too much humidity can increase fatigue wear of brake pad materials.