Abstract
KEYWORDS – Organic friction composite, hot molding, X-ray tomography, porosity, microstructure
ABSTRACT – Organic friction composites are complex materials due to their formulation and manufacturing process. Formulations include a large number of constituents of various sizes, morphologies and compositions. Manufacturing process consists of a succession of steps among which the hot molding, which has a major impact on microstructure of materials and at least on their performance. Impact of hot molding on material microstructure is investigated on a simplified material formulation, elaborated with various hot-molding durations, from intermediate stages to the complete hot-molding duration performed in the industrial process. The obtained microstructures are analysed in scanning electron microscopy and X-ray tomography. It is shown that an increase of hot-molding duration reduces the micro porosity of the matrix, homogenises the resin polymerization and improves cohesion between matrix and rubber particles.