Effect of graphite content on the friction and wear performance of paper-based friction materials

Some paper-based friction materials with different graphite content were prepared using paper-making process. Effect of graphite content on friction performance such as friction torque curves, dynamic, static friction coefficient and wear rate were investigated using an inertia friction tester. Worn surfaces of samples were analyzed by scanning electronic microscope and EDS. Experiment results show that, with increasing graphite content, the shape of friction torque became symmetrical, the friction coefficient tended to decrease in this procession, so did the wear rate. There were many wear particles with large size and cracks in the friction surface of the sample without graphite. Lubrication film was formed in the friction surface as adding graphite to the sample, it led to a lower wear rate of sample.