Influence of Hot Molding Parameters on Tribological and Wear Properties of a Friction Material

The manufacturing process of organic friction material used for braking applications is of importance with regard to their properties and performance. This article deals with a friction material manufactured according to two different hot molding conditions. An original analysis of polymerization of the phenolic resin matrix led to the choice of temperature and duration of the hot molding process. Two materials were developed, changing the hot molding process according to these two dependent parameters, and their friction and wear behaviors were investigated for various thermal severities of sliding conditions. The thermal conductivity was also analyzed and found to be higher when the hot molding temperature was low and the hot molding duration was long. Wear test results showed that friction was not significantly affected by the process change. On the contrary, wear appeared to be sensitive to hot molding temperature and duration. Hot molding at elevated temperature for a short duration led to higher wear resistance because the rubbing conditions were not severe. On the contrary, hot molding at low temperature for a long duration was in favor of the wear resistance for higher severities of the rubbing conditions.