Roles And Mechanisms Of Zircon In Semi-Metelic And Non-Metallic Friction Materials

The roles and friction mechanisms of zircon (ZrSiO₄) as an abrasive in both semi-metallic and s non-metallic friction materials as well as the effects of zircon on friction performance were investigated. The friction coefficient (μ) of two types of friction materials was obviously enhanced by addition of zircon. Barite films, altered layers, iron patches, zircon loose holes, transformation of organic materials on friction surface of non-metallic materials were observed by using SEM and XRD. It shown that barite films named as layer I can lower the wear rate and Fe transferred layer named as layer II can enhance μ. The transition between two layers was found on friction surface of Zr-5.6 (zircon content 5.6 vol. %). On semi-metallic materials surfaces, two kinds of friction layers were also observed. Layer I formed by steel wool and layer II formed by Fe transferred layer were identified. The transition between two layers was also found on friction surface of SM-5.6 (zircon content 5.6 vol. %). Both Zr-5.6 and SM-5.6 have less friction layers but show stable and good friction performance. The relationships among formulations, friction performance, and friction surfaces were summarized for both friction...