Tribological Characteristics of a Friction Composition of Metal-Ceramic Powders and Carbon-Containing Additives on a Polymer Binder

Abstract

Research is carried out on the wear resistance and friction coefficients of a friction composition made from PC30, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, TiO₂, and Cr₂O powders and an additive containing carbon fiber in combination with GE-1 graphite, using the SFP-012A phenolic powder binder material. The study of tribotechnical properties is carried out on an IM-58 inertial stand. Using a stereoscopic microscope and a scanning electron microscope with a micro-X-ray spectral attachment, the morphology of the friction surfaces of experimental samples is analyzed, and information about the elements forming the friction surface is obtained. It is established that promising additives for the friction composition are 5–6% coarse Al₂O₃ and SiO₂ powders. They promote an increase in friction of the friction material to the recommended minimum value of 0.3. Promising additives also include carbon fiber in an amount of 25–50%, which makes it possible to maintain the wear rate of the composition at a level not exceeding 30 µm/km. By increasing the carbon fiber content to 50%, a minimum value of the friction coefficient was obtained at the initial moment of contact of the tribocoupling surfaces. In this case, the experimental curve of changes in the friction coefficient is characterized by a smooth transition to the slipping region.