The effect of the modification mechanism of SiO2 in resin-based friction materials on the mechanical and tribological performance

This study aimed to address the thermal degradation of resin-based friction materials in the mid-temperature stage (200–250°C), as well as the resulting instability of the friction coefficient and decrease in the mechanical properties. To investigate the impact on the toughening and wear resistance properties, this study employed nanosilica-modified resin-based friction materials. The mechanical, friction, and wear properties of the modified samples were tested using a Rockwell hardness tester, hydraulic universal testing machine, and constant speed friction tester. The phase composition and microstructure of the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction. When the mass fraction of nanosilica was 3%, modified sample S3 exhibited excellent mechanical properties, with shear strength and compressive strength reaching 40.3 and 171.7 MPa, respectively, which were increased by 30% and 9% compared to unmodified sample S1. Moreover, the density and hardness of sample S3 showed minimal variation compared to those of unmodified sample S1. In the temperature range of 100–250°C, the wear rate of modified sample S3 remained within the range of 0.22 × 10⁻⁷–0.38 × 10⁻⁷ N⁻¹ m⁻¹, with a friction coefficient of 0.38 at 200°C, demonstrating excellent wear resistance.