On the low temperature tribological behaviour of brake block materials for railway applications under dry and icy conditions

Incidents in the Swedish railway have been observed where a significant and sudden loss of brake performance occurs winter conditions, on trains equipped with composite tread blocks (CBB). There is necessity to establish test methods that can be used for evaluation materials under well-controlled laboratory facilitate an understanding friction mechanisms between block steel wheel. This work sought characterise tribological behaviour different CBB at room temperature −15 °C, focusing response without presence ice contact, as well effect behaviour. A pearlitic cast iron was reference four were investigated, two organic sintered. The sintered showed similar coefficient material higher than CBB, both low temperature. also seen when formed wheel counter surface °C. Higher wear compared CBB. results suggest provide conditions