Research aims to make high performance brakes last longer 20 September 2010

Research, part-funded by the Technology Strategy Board, is now underway, aimed at modifying the surface of brake discs to improve their friction performance and lifespan.

The programme, called SµRFACE, will develop a surface treatment process to give high friction, consistent feel, low wear, good heat dissipation and improved acoustic performance.

Development partners – which include Federal-Mogul, Bentley Motors, ceramic discs maker Surface Transforms, braking systems specialist Alcon and rail industry brakes firm Faiveley Transport – say they expect to reduce the lifetime cost of high performance ceramic braking systems.

"This is an enabling technology," says Federal-Mogul technical manager David Holme, based at the company's Friction Technology Centre near Derby.

"By separating the surface properties of the disc from the bulk material properties, we hope to exceed the performance of today's best systems, but potentially at a much lower cost."

The academic partner is Loughborough University, which is responsible for much of the early development work.

"Coating the discs will remove any compromise between the bulk material properties and the surface, allowing both to be optimised for their function," explains Holme. "It also offers the prospect of being able to recoat worn discs at a significant cost saving, compared to replacement."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Federal Mogul Corporation

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