Enhanced heat fade resistance and friction stability of PEEK fiber reinforced Resin-based friction materials fabricated by wet granulation

AbstractsThis study investigates the effects of silane coupling agent (SCA) treatment and Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) fiber content on the performance of resin-based friction materials (RBFMs). The materials were fabricated using a combined wet granulation and hot-pressing method. The surface modification of PEEK fiber with three different SCAs was characterized, with KH-550 showing the most effective improvement in interfacial compatibility. The tribological properties and wear mechanisms of composites with varying PEEK fiber contents (0-8 wt%) were systematically evaluated under simulated braking conditions. The results demonstrated that an optimal PEEK fiber content of 6 wt% significantly reduced the friction coefficient (COF) at lower temperatures and minimized its fluctuations, leading to more stable braking performance. More importantly, the composite with 6 wt% PEEK fiber exhibited superior resistance to heat fade during repeated high-energy braking cycles, which is attributed to the high strength and intrinsic thermal stability of PEEK fiber. The enhanced wear resistance and smooth friction behavior are discussed in relation to the improved fiber-matrix bonding and the potential development of a more stable friction layer on the contact interface. This work provides a practical strategy for designing high-performance RBFMs with enhanced thermal and frictional stability.