Carbon/Carbon–Silicon-Carbide Dual-Matrix Composites for Brake Discs

Abstract Composite ceramic materials reinforced with carbon fibers are interesting materials because of their excellent mechanical and thermo-physical properties, which make them appropriate for many applications, including re-entry shields, rocket nozzles, disc brakes, and prosthetic devices. For all these purposes, many different types of such materials have been developed, for example, carbon/silicon-carbide or carbon/carbon–silicon-carbide composites that are commonly produced from carbon/carbon composites impregnated with liquid silicon by the liquid-silicon infiltration (LSI) process. In this work, a new ceramic matrix composite friction material for brake discs was developed that combines a high fracture toughness with good oxidation and abrasion resistance, good thermal conductivity, and the appropriate friction characteristics. For the production of such materials, the "dual-matrix" approach combined with reactive sintering was used. The materials have suitable mechanical properties and the braking discs have appropriate coefficient of friction and very low wear rate. Keywords: Braking systemsC/C–SiCCeramic-forming polymersCeramic matrix composites