Effect of the Rubber Components on the Mechanical Properties and Braking Performance of Organic Friction Materials

Vegetable oil modified phenolic resin (PF) mixed with four kinds of rubber modifiers, i.e., styrene butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene 2-vinyl pyridine rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, and carboxyl nitrile butadiene rubber (CNBR), were used as matrices for organic friction materials. The mechanical and thermal degradation properties of all of the blends were investigated. Friction and braking tests of the organic friction materials based on the different matrices and reinforced with hybrid fibers were carried out. The results showed that the resin was most compatible with CNBR; the CNBR/PF blend possessed much higher impact and toughness, and the friction material based on this blend as a matrix exhibited better friction and braking performance. It was concluded that CNBR, the rubber with the most reactive groups, resulted in better mechanical properties of the friction material, and hence optimized the friction, wear and braking performances.