Ceramic Matrix Composite Brakes

Kurzfassung

Brake disks and pads made of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) offer great advantages for high performance vehicles as well as emergency brake systems. Mainly based on carbon and silicon carbide these braking materials show high and stable coefficients of friction and low wear rates. Generally, the carbon fibres lead to an improved damage tolerance in comparison to monolithic SiC, whereas the silicon carbide improves the wear resistance in comparison to conventional carbon/carbon. This paper deals with the development of short fibre reinforced ceramic matrix composites and describes a cost-efficient technique to improve the wear stability of CMC by protecting the friction surface with ceramic coatings from abrasion and corrosion.