[T17] Composite/Hybrid Materials

[16D-T17-06] Homogeneity Enhancement in Sintered Friction Materials: Impact of Additives on Matrix and Component Uniformity

*M. V. K. Giaretton¹, I. S. Deschamps¹, A. C. Moreira¹, I. Mantovani¹, A. G. L. da Cruz¹, A. d. O. Françozo¹, A. A. Vidal¹, C. H. S. Pereira², A. N. Klein¹ (1.Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil, 2.Frasle Mobility, Brazil)

Keywords:Friction Materials, Image Analysis, Kerosene

This study quantitatively assesses the homogeneity enhancement of friction materials using additives. Materials from different categories, such as metals (matrix), friction agents, and solid lubricants, display different densities, sizes, morphologies, and chemical affinities, together with electrostatic repulsion due to the mixing of powders. These factors cause segregations, and undesired heterogeneity gradients in the component, and hinder the densification of the matrix during sintering, impairing the mechanical and tribological performance. In this study, we evaluated the homogeneity of mixed powders used in sintered friction materials (Cu, graphite, and mullite) in four mixing scenarios: no additives, kerosene, Zn-containing organic lubricant, and granulation. The continuity of the matrix and homogeneity of the elements throughout the composite volume were evaluated using three-dimensional X-ray microtomography images and image processing and analysis in open-source software. We concluded that kerosene was the best additive for the continuity and homogeneity of the friction material.