Size effect of zircon particles in brake pads on the composition and size distribution of emitted particulate matter

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) emitted during brake application is investigated, focusing on the size effect of zircon particles in brake pads. The results show that the concentration, size distribution, and composition of PM are strongly influenced by the size of the zircon particles. The iron content in ultrafine particles was higher when small zircon particles were used in the pad, whereas coarse zircon particles produced high iron content in the larger wear particles, suggesting that the amount and chemistry of the brake-induced PM are governed by different wear mechanisms at the sliding interface, which depend on the abrasive size.