Characterization of train brake-blocks composite reinforced with aluminum-dross

Abstract

Brake blocks are usually made from asbestos, metals and ceramics. It has been realised that asbestos discharges dangerous gases which can be harmful. This problem necessitated the search for human-friendly materials. Therefore, this paper studies the production and characterization of train brake blocks produced from clay reinforced with aluminum dross. This was done by producing samples of composite using clay from a deposit at Osiele and aluminum dross from Tower Rolling Mill Otta, both in Ogun state. The percentage composition of aluminum dross was varied from 0% to 25% to produce brake samples. Their wear rate, tensile strength, compressive strength, hardness, thermal conductivity and microstructure were analysed. The results from this project such as Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 7.4Mpa, Impact energy 6.92J, Hardness 28.8 HV, wear rate 0.0071g/sec and thermal conductivity of 0.01075 indicate that, with 5% aluminium dross it is possible to develop brake block that exhibits property recommended by Rail Industry Safety and Standard Board (RISSB).
 Keywords: Train, Brake blocks, Clay composite, Aluminum Dross, Mechanical properties.

Parametric Effects on the Coefficient of Friction of a Novel Composite Material for Automobile Brake Linning

“…In this work, we considered a combination of materials for the production of brake lining that is comparable with the existing brake linings in the market. The performance of the produced brake lining was critically analyzed in the areas of the effects of temperature and pressure on the coefficient of friction [4]. This was to bring into focus their mutual and individual effects on the two major challenges to the brake lining performance, namely, brake fade and brake squeal [5].…”