This work applies a procedure for analysis and characterization of the surface of brake friction materials, correlating them with the tribological and thermal properties achieved in different vehicle braking conditions. Experiments were performed in a vehicle under two real conditions of braking operation, simulated flat track descent and emergency braking. Characteristics of the plates formed on the surfaces of the friction materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and correlated with the performance during braking, as measured by the coefficient of friction at the interface of the friction pair and temperature. As a result, the formation of the primary and secondary plateaus in these two different braking operating conditions was observed, and the relationship between the characteristics of the plateaus formed on the surface and the surface roughness parameters and performance measurements during braking.
Keywords: braking; fade effect; friction material; tribological contact; wear mechanisms.