Release of volatile organic compounds by oxidative wear of automotive friction materials

Abstract

Contribution of friction processes to the environmental pollution was proven in several studies, especially with respect to release of particulate emissions containing metals. Not too many researchers pay attention to volatile organic compounds formation during braking, although it is very relevant topic. When organic friction materials are used, the oxidative processes and thermal degradation always accompanies the friction processes during braking.

A low-metallic, brake lining formulation was tested using the ISO 26867 friction evaluation standard procedure in an automotive full-scale brake dynamometer. Sampling of non-airborne debris, suspended airborne particles (PM10) and air was performed directly in the environmental chamber. Released volatiles and semi volatile organics were analyzed using GC/MS, Pyr/GC/MS, FTIR and carbon phase analysis. Occurrence of important groups of volatile organic compounds as PAHs and BTEXs with possible adverse effects on living organisms was confirmed.