Abstract
Cast iron composite brake blocks, which include silicon carbide foams in alloyed cast iron brake blocks, have been developed to improve their friction coefficient and wear resistance. However, it has been clarified that the effects produced by alumina foams are similar to those of silicon carbide foams. As such, the effects of silicon carbide foams and two kinds of alumina foams on friction and wear performance when used with alloyed cast iron brake blocks were examined. The friction surfaces of the cast iron composite brake blocks after braking tests were smooth. The ceramic wear particles produced between the wheel tread and brake block during braking are thought to improve the friction coefficient. Wear of the cast iron composite brake blocks decreased because the cast iron matrix of the cast iron composite brake blocks was strengthened by the inclusion of ceramic foams, restraining plastic flow. Ceramic foams therefore had a cleaning effect, removing adhesion on the wheel tread.
