DEVELOPMENT OF COMPOSITE FRICTION MATERIALS FOR SAFETY CLUTCHES IN AVIATION APPLICATIONS

In this study, composite with improved friction behavior were developed. Friction clutch samples were produced via conventional methods of mixing, pressing, and curing powders. A ball-on-disc wear tester was used to evaluate their friction and wear behavior. The surface distributions of the composites were examined by surface microstructure images. The effects of different components on clutch performance were evaluated by determining optimum process parameters. It was observed that materials containing quartz and alumina improved the friction coefficient and increased the clutch performance. It was also concluded that alumina has a more significant effect on the friction coefficient than quartz.