High Performance C/C-SIC Brake Pads

Novel modifications of melt-infiltrated carbon/carbon composites (C/C-SiC) have been developed for their use as brake pads in high performance brake systems of lifts, cranes and other transport systems. They show high thermal shock and mechanical impact resistance, low wear rates and high coefficients of friction under dynamic as well as stationary conditions. Generally, high amounts of silicon carbide increase the wear resistance and the friction coefficient, but reduce the mechanical strength of the material. Graded composites with ceramic-rich surfaces and quasi-ductile cores as well as composites with an improved transverse thermal conductivity were tested successfully. Also, C/C-SiC composites derived from process modifications with respect to shorter manufacture times and cheaper raw materials were developed and evaluated in emergency brake systems.