Full-scale dynamometer tests of composite railway brake shoes including latxa sheep wool fibers

The main target of the present work is to characterize effect inclusion natural sheep wool (SW) into a railway brake block composition and then compare it that set three organic fibers commonly used in friction material industry: aramid fiber (AF), cellulose (CF) polyacrylonitrile (PAN). In order achieve this, 4 versions same with fixed amount each were produced one more sample was manufactured including no fibers. characterization consisted tests on full-scale test rig. Then, samples SEM analyzed tested surface microstructure. It found all helped stable bedding, showed lower wet conditions. They also affected recovery %. Pictures blocks taken after certain phases and, although failure sequence remained for samples, very much influenced magnitude wear rates. Sheep led better results than cellulose. No final conclusions could be drawn respect metal pick-up. analysis evidenced primary secondary plateaus, but significant differences observed depending nature. Finally, Life Cycle Assessment “from cradle gate” perspective carried out. Ecoinvent v3.5 database CML ReCiPe Endpoint methodologies evaluate environmental impact create by five materials. Overall, cellulose, PAN show slightly impacts base or Therefore, Latxa offers good balance between low cost, adequate rates impact, making compelling substitute