Role of Type and Amount of Resin on Performance Behavior of Non-asbestos Organic (NAO) Friction Materials

The role of phenol formaldehyde or phenolic resin as a binder in friction composites assumes paramount significance because the structural integrity of the composites depends on it. The resin properties as well as its content are critical parameters that strongly influence the overall performance of friction composites. In the present paper the influence of alkyl benzene modified phenolic resin on fade and recovery behavior of friction composites is reported and compared with straight phenolic resin. Six non—asbestos friction composites were developed in the laboratory by varying the content of modified resin and unmodified resin viz., 10, 12.5, and 15% by weight compensating this variation by inert filler BaSO ₄ to keep concentration at 40%. The concentration of other ingredients was kept constant. Compared to unmodified phenolic resin, modified phenolic resin improved the physical and mechanical properties of composites not friction and wear performance. A scanning electron microscope was used to analyze the wear mechanisms.