The effect of Al2O3 fiber additive on braking performance of copper-based brake pads utilized in high-speed railway train

Abstract Al 2 O 3 fiber was introduced into copper-based brake pads in order to improve the braking performance under high speed and heavy load. Two fabricated samples containing Al 2 O 3 fiber and no fiber additive were tested on a reduced-scale dynamometer using a special designed braking testing procedure. The results indicated Al 2 O 3 fiber additive mainly contributes to promote the increase of friction coefficient at relative low braking speeds and pressures and helps to stabilize the friction coefficient at high braking speed and heavy load. The addition of Al 2 O 3 fiber can also greatly reduce the wear loss of brake pads. Moreover, the sample with Al 2 O 3 fiber exhibits the lower maximum temperature during braking. Further, the relationship between braking properties and tribo-film is clearly revealed.