The composition, working parameters and measures for the brake wear reduction: A review

Brakes are one of the basic safety systems on a vehicle. During the operation of the vehicle, the brakes allow the vehicle to slow down, i.e., to adapt to traffic conditions or to stop, if necessary. However, in all conditions mentioned, emissions of brake wear products occur, which are very harmful to the environment because they can contain heavy metals. Working parameters of braking process are responsible for the intensity of brake wear, which can be tested in laboratory or road conditions, as well as by using modern software packages. This paper covers the basic theoretical assumptions about brake wear, as well as the materials applied in their production. The methodologies that other authors have come up with in their research are shown in this paper. Those methodologies are related to testing the brake wear, the parameters which are the most influential on wear, as well as the measures for the reduction of brake wear. The available scientific literature in the subject area lead us to the conclusion what should be taken into the consideration in future research and what factors are not thoroughly investigated, all with the aim of reducing the emission of brake wear.