Effects of moulding pressure on the mechanical and friction properties of a semi-metallic friction material

The effects of compression moulding pressure on the mechanical and frictional properties of a semi-metallic friction material has been studied via flexural, wear, fade, and recovery tests. The moulding pressure was varied from 5.5 MPa (800 psi) to 16.6 MPa (2400 psi), a typical range used by friction material manufacturers. Flexural strength and modulus increased generally as the moulding pressure increased. The friction coefficient of this material was approximately 0.3 and remained approximately constant with changes in the moulding pressure. The coefficient of friction obtained is reasonable for the application. The volumetric wear at different moulding pressures for the material decreased as the moulding pressure increased.