Morphological Analysis of Surface Degradation in Phenolic Friction Composites Using Image Processing Techniques

• Published in: Проблеми трибології Vol. 30; no. 2/116; pp. 54 - 61
• Main Authors: Yusubov, F.F., Valiyev, V.K., Akbarova, U.B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Khmelhitsky National University, Lublin University of Technology 18.06.2025
• Subjects: composites, brake pads, corrosion, surface morphology, cracks, microstructural degradation
• ISSN: 2079-1372
• DOI: 10.31891/2079-1372-2025-116-2-54-61

This study investigates the surface degradation of phenolic-based brake friction composites under corrosive NaCl environments, emphasizing morphological analysis through digital image processing. The specimens were subjected to both vapor-phase and immersion conditions to simulate real-world corrosion scenarios. Surface changes were characterized via optical microscopy, Otsu-based grayscale binarization, and roughness profiling. The results indicated that vapor-phase exposure caused more uniform corrosion, but with smoother surfaces, while immersion led to localized and irregular damage. Post-corrosion dry friction tests showed a marked reduction in the coefficient of friction, attributed to surface smoothing and lubricious corrosion product formation