Mechanical and tribological behaviors of copper metal matrix composites for brake pads used in high-speed trains

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 119; pp. 585 - 592
• Main Authors: Xiao, Yelong, Zhang, Zhongyi, Yao, Pingping, Fan, Kunyang, Zhou, Haibin, Gong, Taimin, Zhao, Lin, Deng, Minwen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Brake pad; Brakes; Braking; Copper; Friction materials; High speed rail; Mechanical properties; Metal matrix composites; Microstructure; Powder metallurgy; Studies; Trains; Tribology; Wear; Wear mechanisms; Friction materials; Mechanical properties; Metal matrix composites; Brake pad
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2017.11.038

As one of the most important components in high-speed trains, demands are improved on the mechanical and tribological properties of materials for brake pads. In this study, a newly developed copper metal matrix composite (Cu-MMC) for the aforementioned brake pads was fabricated by powder metallurgy route. The microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-MMC were investigated. Cu-MMC was tribo-evaluated by a full-scale dynamometer, and special attention was paid on the braking performances during emergency stop-braking at initial speeds from 300 to 380 km/h. Examination and analysis of the worn surface and subsurface corroborated the wear mechanism. The results indicate that Cu-MMC exhibits excellent properties and can meet the technical requirements, so it holds great promise for applications in high-speed trains. •A newly developed copper metal matrix composite for high-speed trains was fabricated by powder metallurgy route.•The braking tests were conducted on a full-scale dynamometer designed to simulate brake characteristics of high-speed trains.•Compared with materials in service, Cu-MMC exhibited superior mechanical and tribological properties.•The worn surface and subsurface were characterised by SEM and EDS.