The effect of the modification mechanism of SiO₂ in resin‐based friction materials on the mechanical and tribological performance

Abstract

This study aimed to address the thermal degradation of resin‐based friction materials in the mid‐temperature stage (200–250°C), as well as the resulting instability of the friction coefficient and decrease in the mechanical properties. To investigate the impact on the toughening and wear resistance properties, this study employed nanosilica‐modified resin‐based friction materials. The mechanical, friction, and wear properties of the modified samples were tested using a Rockwell hardness tester, hydraulic universal testing machine, and constant speed friction tester. The phase composition and microstructure of the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction. When the mass fraction of nanosilica was 3%, modified sample S3 exhibited excellent mechanical properties, with shear strength and compressive strength reaching 40.3 and 171.7 MPa, respectively, which were increased by 30% and 9% compared to unmodified sample S1. Moreover, the density and hardness of sample S3 showed minimal variation compared to those of unmodified sample S1. In the temperature range of 100–250°C, the wear rate of modified sample S3 remained within the range of 0.22 × 10−7–0.38 × 10−7 N−1 m−1, with a friction coefficient of 0.38 at 200°C, demonstrating excellent wear resistance.