Tribological characterization of functionally gradient wind turbine brake pads reinforced with rare earth metal oxide

Abstract

Copper-based brake pad materials with various fractions of praseodymium oxide and yttrium oxide are fabricated through the powder metallurgy processing technique. The influence of praseodymium oxide and yttrium oxide on the microstructure, microhardness, and tribological characteristics of the fabricated specimens are analyzed. The specimen with desired density, high hardness, wear resistance, and optimal friction coefficient is fabricated with gradient layers (pure copper at the brake pad – brake caliper interface and composite at the brake pad – brake disc interface). The result suggested that as the load gradually increases, the wear rate also increases. The surface morphology, elemental composition, and phase composition of the fabricated specimen and worn surface were characterized using advanced instrumental characterization.