GLASS-FIBER BASED FRICTION MATERIALS

Glass fibers have been considered as a reinforcing agent in friction linings as one component of a potential substitute for asbestos. The mechanical, thermal and frictional properties of six different grades of glass fibers have been evaluated in model phenolic resin based friction materials. The Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion and friction coefficients have been determined. It was found that the fiber sizing, length and diameter play a significant role in affecting the mechanical properties. Fiber sizing influences the tensile strength but the fiber length does not. The Young's modulus is relatively independent of fiber sizing, length and diameter. The flexural strength is found to increase with an increase in fiber length and a decrease in fiber diameter. The flexural modulus also increased with an increase in the fiber length. The Coefficients of thermal expansion fall within the normal range observed for glass fiber reinforced phenolic composites. The friction coefficients of these materials fall in the range of 0.21 to 0.33 which appears reasonably good but is not a very high rating for conventional friction linings. These results gives some insights into the use of glass fibers in friction materials. © 1991, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.