Open Access Conference Proceedings

Our research is focused on the phase, structure and chemical analysis of the powder particles released by braking of cars from their brake components – discs and pads. The basic information on structure and phase composition was obtained by X-Ray Powder Diffraction, Mössbauer Spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with EDX. The results of the particle analysis are compared with materials used for manufacturing brake components and with the powder prepared by ball milling of the mixture of the pad composite and disk steel. Most of recognized nanoparticles are based on carbon, silica/silicates and iron oxides. The composition of these particles is in the agreement with chemical and phase composition of brake discs and pads but also new phases appear (carbon based phases and amorphous phases). The severe plastic deformation of the surface layer during braking are responsible for formation these new phases. Our analysis of the thin surfaces of the brake discs and brake pads and experiments with ball milling materials can bring other knowledge in this area.

Keywords: nanoparticles, wear debris, automotive brake

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