Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Train Brake Block Produced from Polypropylene-Matrix Composite
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Date
2021
Authors
Obidiegwu, Eugenia O.
Mgbemere, Henry E.
Oteju, Ayomikun Z.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ABUAD Journal of Engineering Research and Development (AJERD)
Abstract
Friction brakes in trains are very important aspect of railway transportation as they function based on friction between the braking elements and the wheels to perform speed control actions. Cast iron has been the conventional material for producing train brake blocks. The drawback with cast iron brake blocks is the noise generated during rolling of the wheels on the track as well as wear on the
wheel tread surface. The wearing of wheel tread puts the safety of the passengers and goods being transported at risk. Thus, this work investigates the mechanical properties of train brake blocks produced from polypropylene (PP) blended with calcium carbide residue. The composite samples were produced using recycled (PP) as matrix, calcium carbide particulates at 150 and 300μm particle size as reinforcement and graphite varying the particles from 0 wt.% - 16 wt. %, step 4. The samples were subjected to mechanical tests conducted according to ASTM D3039(Tensile), ASTM D256 (Izod impact), ASTM E92-16 (Vickers hardness) and ASTM D3702-94 (Wear rate) standards. Results showed that the hardness value was found to increase from 77.7 to 88.1 Hv increase in calcium carbide level from 0 –4 wt.%, but slightly reduced after 4wt. % of the reinforcement for both particle sizes. The same trend was observed for wear resistance and tensile test. This indicates that there was proper distribution and better bonding of the particles at 4 wt.% of reinforcement than at
higher percentage compositions. Therefore, train brake block with required mechanical properties can be produced from polypropylene matrix composite reinforced with 4 wt.% of Calcium carbide residue.
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Keywords
Brake block, composite, mechanical properties, polypropylene, calcium carbide , Research Subject Categories::TECHNOLOGY::Chemical engineering::Metallurgical process and manufacturing engineering::Metallurgical process engineering