Clutch Time

Perspectives: Research and Creative Activities at SIUC, Fall 2007

:: research survey ::

Clutch Time

Carbon nanomaterials developed at SIUC might revolutionize clutches for vehicles and other machinery.

The materials, developed by engineers at the University's Center for Advanced Friction Studies, sustain wear from the inherent friction that clutches endure better than traditional materials such as Kevlar, says Peter Filip, the center's director. Nanomaterials are made of ultra-small structures designed at the molecular level and often measuring only a few molecules across.

SIUC is working with Tribco Inc., of Cleveland, a high-technology company producing advanced friction products for brakes, clutches, and other industrial applications. The new materials contain Kevlar modified with nanoparticles and nanofibers. Filip and SIUC friction researcher Tod Policandriotes, along with two Tribco employees, figured out how to impregnate Kevlar with the nanomaterials, testing the resulting composites both at SIUC and in the Tribco production lines.

"My idea was to incorporate different types of nanomaterials into current Tribco products because (nanomaterials) end up on the friction surface and make the friction layer stronger and more adhesive," Filip explains.

Tribco is working with the University to investigate the new materials' potential in clutches. "Whether they make a good friction material that is safe is something we're trying to determine," says company president David Bortz.

"The materials have properties that lend themselves for use in friction materials, so there's good reason to hope they will work."

Filip notes, "These materials provide a significant improvement in clutch wear—up to 400 percent improvement at elevated temperatures. As the friction is increased, this material actually grabs better, resulting in lower wear with high friction."

The composite materials make the wear surface more thermally stable and may increase the life of a clutch by five times, he says. They could have excellent application in military and heavy vehicles, as well as industrial machines.

Policandriotes conducted much of the development process during the last two years. The center's team of industrial advisers funded the research.

Bortz says Tribco also is working with other industry partners to provide SIUC with additional testing equipment for wet friction applications.

"SIUC, with the Center for Advanced Friction Studies, has the best academic testing base in the country, maybe the world," Bortz says. "We want to help round that out."

—by Tim Crosby