Polytetrafluoroethylene and Aluminum Powder as an Alternative to Copper in Car Brakes Composite Friction Materials

Brakes are one of the most important systems of every vehicle. They have an undoubted impact on safety. Their effects produce wear products, which in the case of conventional composition of friction materials also means the content of copper in compounds emitted into the atmosphere. Its harmful effect makes it necessary to look for an alternative that will replace its excellent lubricating and thermal properties. This article presents prototype materials in which attempts were made to replace copper with powdered aluminum and polytetrafluoroethylene. Four types of samples were prepared—one group with a conventional composition, and three groups with an alternative composition, in different proportions. Using the previously developed methodology, friction tests were performed. As a result, the values of friction coefficients and abrasive wear rate were determined. The results show that the proposed material is characterized by lower values of the coefficient of friction and a higher value of the abrasive wear rate coefficient.