Low Cost Boron Carbide Ceramic Composites for Aircraft Brake Friction Materials

Boron carbide matrix composites have been demonstrated to have superior heat capacity as well as a desirable fricion coefficient for application as the friction material in next generation military and commercial aircraft brake systems. Improvements in thermal conductivity and reduction in fabrication costs have been identified as being critical needs for the utilization of these materials. The proposed Phase I program presents a significantly lower cost approach to fabricate carbon fiber-reinforced composites with a high boron carbide matrix fraction. The incorporation of a high conductivity carbon as the balance of the matrix will result in both enhanced thermal diffusivity and a lower cost material. The Phase I effort will evaluate the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of these hybrid matrix composites. Sub-scale dynamometer testing will be performed to obtain dynamic frictional characteristics and wear rates.