Publication

Abstract : This work focuses on fabricating iron-based composite brake pad material with novel praseodymium oxide (Pr6O11) reinforcement through powder metallurgy. The influence of lubricants (Cg: BP01 and h-BN: BP02) on the microstructural evolution, microhardness, and tribological characteristics of the specimen is characterized. The average microhardness of specimen BP01 is 154.32 ± 8.02 HV, and that of specimen BP02 is 170.12 ± 4.37 HV, with the hardness of BP02 being approximately 9% higher than BP01. It also investigates the transformation of the wear mechanism with changes in axial load and sliding velocity using advanced instrumental characterization techniques. The results indicate that the wear rate decreases as the load gradually increases. The specific wear rate of the sintered specimen BP02 under different axial loads (ranging from 10 to 70 N) at a constant sliding velocity of 5.5 m/s exhibits a gradual increase, ranging from 2.36 × 10−8 to 4.20 × 10−7 g/Nm, with the highest load showing a 115% increase compared to 50 N, and is significantly lower than that reported in previous literature for conventional brake pads, demonstrating superior wear resistance. Under different loading conditions, the friction coefficient of the brake pads varies between 0.46 and 0.82. The study also investigates wear behaviors and mechanisms of Fe-based brake pads, revealing abrasive wear as the dominant wear mechanism observed on the worn surface.