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.

Anne-Lise Cristol, Nesrine Hentati, Nathalie Limodin, Nicolas Lejay, Grégory Hauss, Jerome Adrien, Mohamed Kchaou, Riadh Elleuch, Yannick Desplanques - Univ Lille Nord de France, ECLille, LML, 3CNRS, Université de Sfax, Université de Lyon