Microstructure investigation of the surface of copper-based sintered alloys using a micro Raman spectrometer

Abstract

In order to grasp a change in copper-based sintered alloys used for Shinkansen vehicle brake friction material as temperature rises, we investigate the microstructure of a friction material surface using a micro Raman spectrometer. When the physical and chemical changes of the friction material surface heated in the air atmosphere are investigated at room temperature and 400 to 1000°C, a change of graphite as a solid lubricant and that of copper as a base material are uniquely determined with temperature. Therefore, it is shown that the results obtained this time have a possibility of use as a heat load estimation method by using as an index to compare with the Raman spectrum of the surface of friction material that has experienced heat load.