The composition and nanostructure of a beneficial tribofilm formed during sliding of a hybrid nanocomposite against steel were characterized comprehensively. A similar nanostructure was produced by high energy ball milling of the three identified tribofilm constituents: silica, hematite and graphite. By supplying powders to a pin-on-disc test it has been shown that neither silica, nor hematite, nor a mixture of both provide the low coefficient of friction (COF) observed for the hybrid composite. Only if graphite was blended with the oxides, the low COF was obtained. Thus, a film of finely dispersed stable inorganic wear products containing 15 vol% graphite provides low friction and wear in the considered case.
In order to obtain a better understanding of the role of tribofilms during automotive braking, their structures were investigated and the essential features identified.
Next, different ingredient combinations were studied by preparing some model materials with simpler compositions than real tribofilms. A test method was developed for verifying the tribological properties of the model materials and for comparison with results obtained with numerical sliding simulations of such structures. Prerequisites of good brake Performance properties were identified. Although the coefficient of friction could be varied in a wide ränge, smooth sliding conditions could only be achieved with values smaller than 0.4. Tests with artificial third body powders turned out to be useful as screening method for the selection of raw materials for brake pad formulations.