Abstract. Brake friction materials are composed of four components, namely the reinforcing fibres, binders, fillers and frictional additives. The phenolic resin is used as the binder to hold the composition together and maintain the structural integrity of the brake material during braking process. Three semi-metallic material formulations were prepared by powder metallurgy process. Selecting sample B as the base formulation, the phenolic resin percentage volume in sample A is decreased by 50% while that in sample C is increased by 50%. The composition of the other ingredients in sample A and C are, respectively proportionally increased and decreased according to the base formulation. Each sample was tested using inertia dynamometer in accordance with recommended practice of SAE J2522 test procedures. The effect of different phenolic resin percentages on friction behaviour with respect to speed and temperature was investigated and discussed in this paper

Abstract. Three friction material formulations composed of bamboo fiber along with binder, friction modifiers and filler have been prepared through powder metallurgy process. Sample F1 and F2 are composed of 10 wt. % of copper and barium, respectively, while the other ingredients in both formulations have the same wt. %. The wt. % of bamboo fiber in sample F3 is, however, increased by 100%, while the compositions of the other ingredients are proportionally decreased. The samples were examined for their porosity, hardness, and friction and wear properties using hot bath, Rockwell hardness tester, and CHASE friction dynamometer, respectively. The test results are compared with those of a commercial sample as the benchmark. Normal and hot frictions of all the three samples developed comply with the requirements specified by Automotive Manufacturer Equipment Companies Agency (AMECA). However, sample F3 which is composed of 20 wt. % of bamboo fiber does not comply with the minimum requirement of friction coefficient. Whereas, sample F2, which is composed of 10 wt. % of bamboo fiber and 10 wt. % of barium, has lower friction coefficient than the commercial sample, and has a sudden drop in friction coefficient at a temperature of 500°F. Out of three developed samples, sample F1, which is composed of 10 wt. % of bamboo fiber and 10 wt. % of copper, complies with all the requirements and has higher friction coefficient than the commercial sample, and has higher fade resistance. Thus, it could be postulated that bamboo fiber could be used as a reinforcing fiber with composition of 10 wt. %.