Study on the Tribological Performance of Sisal Fiber/Polysulfone/Phenolic Composite Friction Material

To improve the friction and wear properties of phenolic composite friction material, the polysulfone was incorporated into the phenolic resin through melting blend, and then the friction composites were prepared through compression molding technology with sisal fiber as reinforcing fiber. The physical and heat resistance properties of the composites were tested. The tribological properties of the composites were investigated on a constant speed (D-MS) friction tester. The worn surface after friction test was analyzed by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that adding polysulfone to the phenolic resin could increase the heat resistance of the composite friction material, and improve the friction and wear properties of the friction materials. SEM observation showed that the worn surface of the composites with 5% PSF exhibited smooth compare to the composites without PSF.