DESCRIPTION "Braking band composite structure"

[0001] The object of the present invention is a braking band composite structure of a brake disc. [0002] In particular, the preseVit invention refers to a method for producing a braking band composite structure of a brake disc and to the structure obtained with this method, to the braking band composite structure of a brake disc, and to the apparatus for carrying out the manufacturing method of a braking band composite structure of a brake disc . [0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A braking band composite structure of a brake disc, particularly intended for a braking system with brake disc of a vehicle, comprises, an annular structure, or braking band, fixed to the rotating portion of a suspension of a vehicle, for example a wheel hub, and is provided with opposite braking surfaces suitable for cooperating with friction elements, or brake pads, seated in at least one calliper body arranged astride of such braking band and integral with a non-rotating component of the vehicle suspension. The controlled interaction between the opposite brake pads and the opposed braking surfaces of the braking band by friction determine a braking action which allows the deceleration or stop of

the vehicle .

[0005] One of the major problems exhibited by the structures intended for the braking bands is that of extending the life of the braking surfaces. [0006] As known, in fact, in the braking surfaces, especially in the braking surfaces of brake discs mounted on high performance or racing vehicles, tracks or other surface irregularities quickly create, for example due to the dirt or to the same friction material of the pads pulverised during the braking, which interpose between the braking surface and the^ pad during the braking action. These surface irregularities cause an irritating noise or rattle and a considerable increase of the wear of the disc and of the pad itself. In the practice, these disadvantages limit the braking disc life both for an inadequate service comfort and for excessive component wear.

[0007] The need of having a braking band of a brake disc with braking surfaces that besides being planar and parallel are smooth, that is, with a low surface roughness value, is therefore especially felt. [0008] This problem is also felt in braking band structures of composite material, which are increasingly used on racing cars, but also on medium-high performance vehicles .

[0009] In particular, this problem is felt in composite ceramic structures of braking bands of brake discs. [0010] The term "composite ceramic structure" means all the structures obtained by: [0011] - carbonising any mixture comprising resins, for example phenolic resins, graphite, for example in powder, and filaments or bundles of filaments of carbon fibres and [0012] - densifying the resulting porous structure with silicon infiltration, thus obtaining a structure or matrix comprising Carbon (C) , Silicon (Si) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) .

[0013] The opposite braking surfaces, suitably processed, of the braking band structure of these composite ceramic materials exhibit Silicon (Si) , Silicon Carbide (SiC) and, buried or partly buried therein, bundles of carbon fibres (C) . The braking surfaces of these Si and SiC structures therefore also exhibit Carbon fibres C exposed to oxidation. [0014] In particular, these fibres are quickly oxidized when, during the braking action, the temperature of the friction surfaces increases, especially if an intense braking action, like that produced in a high performance vehicle, is produced. [0015] As the carbon fibres exposed to oxidation burn,

holes or tracks more or less quickly form onto the braking surface, which determine a quick reduction of the driving comfort, as well as a ^sudden increase of the pad wear. [0016] Recently it has been tried to solve this problem by adding, at the braking surfaces, a surface layer which includes micro-fibres in place of the carbon filament bundles, in an attempt at forming, due to the burning thereof, holes or tracks of limited size and such as to reduce the rattle during the braking action.

[0017] An example of disc for brake disc of this type is described in US 6,723,193 (Martin, Roland). [0018] Despite being advantageous from several points of view, this solution allows reducing the above problem but it does not allow eliminating it.

[0019] In fact, despite the good mechanical features, the composite ceramic material described above in any case exhibits, as serious disadvantage, an unacceptable loss of free carbon from the braking surfaces which implies the forming of surface cavities. This disadvantage is caused by the tendency of the material, especially at high operating temperatures, to undergo such surface oxidation as to cause the surface loss of carbon based material . [0020] Moreover, in the past a solution has also been

suggested wherein a monolithic SiC layer, for example of thickness variable between 0.2mm and 5mm, is added to the Carbon (C) matrix, Si and SiC.

[0021] An example of composite structure of this type is described in US 6,818,085 (Behr, Thomas et al.), and, only as regards to structures with Carbon-Carbon (C-C) body, in US 6,077,607 (Zornik, Miklavz) .

[0022] This solution, despite being advantageous from v several points of view, is satisfactory until the material comprising carbon filaments located below the monolithic SiC layer burns due to the passage or infiltration of oxygen, infiltration which in any case

(as experimentally proved) also occurs through the monolithic layer. Due to these burns that are substantially located in an area underneath the monolithic layer and substantially parallel to the braking surface, the monolithic layer starts to separate

(raise or flake off) , thus breaking (cracking) , to then separate from the underlying matrix (jumping away) forming also large lowered areas that cause a drastic limitation of the disc life.

[0023] Moreover, in the industrial practice, these layers cannot be made thinner than 0.6mm - lmm. With these very high thicknesses, considerable surface tensions occur in the interface between the surface layer and the matrix

containing carbon which favour an even more frequent forming of surface cracks .

[0024] GB 1,311,537 (Bendix Corporation) discloses the application of a coating on a C-C matrix. Also in this case, despite being advantageous from several points of view, the proposed solution implies a limitation to the operating temperature of the disc . For this known solution, the limit operating temperature is given by the temperature that leads to the burning of the C-C matrix (approximately close to 55O ⁰ C) in any case caused by the diffusion (even if limited) of oxygen into the structure, above which the coating layer separates or detaches from the underlying matrix (in the .practice the surface layer flakes off) . The main cause is related to the fact that even though these oxide layers described in GB 1,311,537 are dense, they allow the oxygen diffusion and thus the oxidation of the underlying material arranged in the separation plane between the coating and the matrix (it is common to find large oxidized areas in the interface plane between the coating and the matrix which with time lead to the coating separation, since the C-C subject to oxidation is present below the entire surface layer) . [0025] It is also known to coat a disc with an aluminium based metal matrix with a protective layer of few hundreds microns (for example alumina) .

[0026] Aa example of this type of embodiment is described in WO 92/05292 (Murphy, Martin) .

[0027] This solution allows a safe operation of the brake disc structure up to the melting temperature of the aluminium or of the aluminium based metal alloy matrix.

As this temperature is exceeded, the coating layer detaches or flakes off, and it loses a steady anchoring base to the matrix.

[0028] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0029] The object of the present* invention is to devise and provide a method for making a braking band structure of a brake disc which should allow meeting the above requirement while allowing obviating the disadvantages mentioned above. [0030] Such object is achieved by a method for making a braking band structure of a brake disc of the type specified above, as described in claim 1 below.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further features and advantages of the process according to the invention will appear more clearly from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the annexed figures, wherein:

[0033] figure 1 shows a green body 2 obtained after the hot forming in a mould of a mixture comprising among the

δ

other things phenolic resin and carbon filament bundles; [0034] figure 2 shows a braking band body after the pyrolysis (porous carbon-carbon body) ; [0035] figure 3 shows a braking band body after the infiltration of silicon (silication) in the carbon-carbon body of figure 2 obtaining a body mainly made of ceramic material containing SiC, Si, Carbon filament bundles ; [0036] figure 4 shows a micro-photography of the surface state of the braking surface of the band body after the silication and the subsequent mechanical process for removing the silicon film, wherein silicon and silicon carbides can be seen; [0037] figure 5 shows a micro-photography of the surface state of the braking surface of the band body after the silication and the subsequent mechanical process for removing the silicon film, wherein the carbon fibres of a fibre bundle partly emerging from the surface can be seen; [0038] figure 6 shows a step of the cleaning process with abrasive jet of the braking surfaces previously mechanically processed removing the silicon coating layer, so as to remove the carbon fibres up to a predetermined depth from the braking surface; [0039] figure 7 schematically shows a step of plasma

deposition of a protective layer on the braking surfaces whereon the carbon has been previously removed by a predetermined depth;

[0040] figure 8 shows a micro-photography of a section of a braking band composite body following the cleaning step with abrasive jet;

[0041] figure 9 shows a micro-photography of a cross section of a braking band composite body after the deposition of a protective layer but before the surface finishing processing.

[0042] figure 10 shows a disc for a disc brake with a braking band superficially finished in the braking surfaces thereof and assembled to a traction bell;

[0043] figures 11 to 13 show the step of manufacturing the braking band depicting the mixing and filling of a forming mould;

[0044] figures 14 to 16 show the hot forming step of the green body;

[0045] figures 17 to 19 show the pyrolysis step of a plurality of braking band bodies;

[0046] figures 20 to 22 show J;he silication step of a plurality of braking band bodies;

[0047] figures 23 to 24 show the mechanical processing step of the braking surfaces of the silication densified body of a braking band;

[0048] figures 25 and 26 shows a cleaning step with abrasive jet of the braking surfaces for removing the carbon phase from the braking surface;

[0049] figures 27 and 28 schematically show the plasma deposition step of a protective layer on the braking surfaces previously cleaned- of the carbon by a predetermined depth;

[0050] figures 29 to 31 show the mechanical finishing step of the braking surface; [0051] figures 32 and 33 show the assembling step of the braking band to a bell; and

[0052] figure 34 schematically shows the trend of the friction coefficient with the deceleration of a disc obtained according to the method proposed herein compared with a ceramic disc of the prior art.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0054] A disc for a disc brake 1 comprises a braking band 2 suitable for cooperating with brake callipers for exerting a braking action on a vehicle. [0055] With reference to Figure 10, the above braking band comprises a body 3 which extends about a symmetry axis X- X and is laterally delimited by braking surfaces 4. [0056] In accordance with an embodiment, said body is of a shaped composite material based on carbon/silicon carbide (hereinafter "C/SiC") and containing filaments

essentially consisting of carbon.

[0057] Advantageously, said body comprises a porous structure or matrix of carbon infiltrated with silicon for forming silicon carbide and excess silicon, as well as residual carbon.

[0058] Preferably, said body is obtained by the interaction of a mixture, comprising filament bundles essentially consisting of carbon, with silicon at a temperature sufficient for causing the melting of the latter. [0059] The term "filaments essentially consisting of carbon" is intended to include fibrous materials obtained by pyrolysis of different products of synthetic origin, for example polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polysilazane, or of natural origin, such as pitches, natural sources based on cellulose such as vegetal fibres and wood.

[0060] The term "filament bundles" is intended to comprise sets of filaments variable from 3000 to 50000 units and having a diameter comprised between 2 and 10 μm, preferably 7 μm associated to each other and preferably, impregnated with a resin, for example polyurethane .

[0061] Advantageously, said bundles are broken, so as to have a length shorter than 30 mm, preferably variable from 10 to 8 mm, and are casually arranged into the mixture . [0062] These filament bundles casually arranged are defined

on the basis of the number of component units of the bundle, for example 3K, 10K, 5OK respectively correspond to 3000, 10000 and 50000 units, and so on.

[0063] According to the invention, the method for making a braking band composite structure of a brake disc comprises the following operating steps :

[0064] - manufacture of the composite ceramic structure of the braking band body;

[0065] - mechanical processing of said body for removing a surface layer of the braking surface exposing carbon fibres substantially buried in the body matrix, advantageously but not necessarily obtaining two opposite braking surfaces planar and parallel to one another;

[0066] - removal of the surface carbon not bonded with silicon from said braking surfaces;

[0067] - deposition of a protective coating on said braking surfaces ; and

[0068] - mechanical finishing of said braking surfaces .

[0069] Advantageously, the mechanical finishing step allows obtaining at least one of the following advantages:

[0070] - reduction of the thickness of the protective coating layer,-

[0071] - predetermined surface roughness value;

[0072] - planarity of the braking surface; [0073] - parallelism between the opposite braking surfaces;

[0074] - drilling of the braking surface.

[0075] Preferably, the mechanical finishing step is followed by an assembling step of the braking band to a support and traction bell for the connection of the braking disc thus obtained to a vehicle.

[0076] Preferably, the manufacturing step of the composite ceramic structure of the braking band body envisages at least the following sub-steps:

[0077] - preparing a mixture comprising at least carbon fibre filaments and at least one organic binder;

[0078] - forming said mixture in a mould for obtaining a shaped body;

[0079] - pyrolysing the shaped b ^x ody for obtaining a porous carbon structure; [0080] - infiltrating the carbon structure with silicon for obtaining the above composite ceramic structure substantially based on carbon, silicon and silicon carbides .

[0081] Preferably, the silicon infiltration step is followed by a step of deposition of an anti-oxidant material layer on the entire surface of the shaped body.

* * *

[0082] In accordance with a first embodiment, in said mixture preparation step, carbon filament bundles with at least one organic binder are mixed with one another.

[0083] Advantageously, the filament bundles can have a diameter from 0.1mm to 2mm, preferably from 0.3mm to

0.5mm.

[0084] Advantageously, the content of filament bundles in the mixture can vary from 40% to 80% by volume on the volume of the mixture and preferably is within the range comprised between 40% and 50% and within the range comprised between 60% and 70%. \

[0085] The organic binder is a conventional binder which can be chosen from the group comprising phenolic and acrylic resins, paraffin, pitches, polystyrenes, etc.

[0086] Preferably, the binder is chosen from the group comprising pitches and phenolic resins.

[0087] The binder can be added to the mixture in any desired form, for example at the solid, semi-liquid, liquid state or in solution.

[0088] For example, the phenolic resin can be added in the form of pellets, powder or granules.

[0089] Advantageously, the content of organic binder in the mixture can vary from 5% to 50% by volume on the volume of the mixture and preferably is within the range between

20% - 26% and 40% and 50%.

[0090] The mixture may also contain other conventional additives used as fillers and, indirectly, for regulating the porosity and the density of the composite structure.

[0091] Such additives consist of particles of inorganic materials such as preferably graphite powder, silicon carbide, metal nitrides and carbides.

[0092] Advantageously, the content of additives in the mixture can vary from 0.5% to 30% by volume on the volume of the mixture and preferably is comprised within the range of 4% - 15%.

[0093] The mixing can be carried out with conventional equipment and methods and the abovementioned filament bundles will casually arrange in the different directions .

[0094] The mixture thus obtained is then arranged in a mould where it is formed by heating and application of a pressure, obtaining a shaped body. [0095] Advantageously, in the forming step, the mixture is heated in the mould at a temperature from 80 ⁰ C to 180 ⁰ C, preferably 100-120 ⁰ C and a pressure comprised between 10 bar and 50 bar, preferably between 20 bar and 30 bar, is applied thereon. [0096] The shaped and compact body thus obtained is extracted from the mould and then subject to a first firing having the purpose of carbonising the chemical binder (pyrolysis) .

[0097] Such firing, for example, is carried out in a conventional furnace at a temperature that substantially

depends on the type of binder used and that is generally comprised within the range of 900-1200 ⁰ C. [0098] The firing is carried out in the presence of a flow of inert gas such as nitrogen or argon and with an overpressure comprised within the range between 2mbar and 100 mbar, preferably between 20 and 30 mbar. The abovementzoned flow also advantageously allows removing the gases released from the pyrolysis of the chemical binder . [0099] By effect of such first firing (pyrolysis) , the semi-finished product gains certain porosity due to the loss of volatile material at the carbonisation or pyrolysis temperatures and transforms into a porous carbon structure. [00100] Advantageously, a finishing step of the surface of the shaped body can be further envisaged at the end of the pyrolysis firing. This advantageously allows removing any surface deformations of the body by conventional equipment, so as to obtain the desired shape. [00101] The finish operation is preferably carried out in a dry manner, for example with diamond tools. [00102] After that, the porous carbon structure is subject to a second firing in the presence of silicon (silicon infiltration) at such a temperature as to cause the silicon melting and the infiltration of the latter

into the pores of the above structure, thus obtaining a composite ceramic structure .

[00103] To carry out the second firing, the pyrolysed shaped body is introduced into the chamber of a container with a volume about twice the volume of the body itself, filling the space formed between the body and the silicon container, which encloses the semi-finished product. Thus, the quantity of silicon used is that required, or a little more, for filling the porosities of the semi- finished product.

[00104] Pure silicon or an alloy of silicon and aluminium or copper, in grains or powder, is used for filling said space. [00105] The chamber may be in communication with the exterior through suitable holete that allow the escape of the gases released during the firing.

[00106] After loading the silicon, the container is introduced into a special furnace, in se conventional, heated at a temperature of 1400-1700 ⁰ C. At said temperatures, the silicon melts and infiltrates into the pores of the semi-finished product.

[00107] The firing is carried out under vacuum, with a residual pressure comprised between 0.1 mbar and 10 mbar, preferably between 0.3 and 2 mbar . [00108] At the end of the firing, the composite

material is cooled for example with argon or, preferably, with nitrogen, so that the residual silicon solidifies into little balls easy to recover from the container. [00109] The silicon infiltration allows increasing the cohesion of the carbon filament bundles, while at the same time the fused silicon, in the conditions of the second firing, partly reacts with the carbon of the semifinished product forming silicon carbides that have the effect of improving the cohesion characteristics of the material .

[00110] At the end of this step, the semi-finished product will also exhibit a silicon layer like a skin coating the entire outer surface thereof . [00111] Advantageously, the firing steps in the furnace, that is, pyrolysis and silication, could take place in a single furnace, allowing the reduction of times and complexity of the manufacturing equipment.

* * *

[00112] In accordance with a second embodiment of the process according to the invention, the manufacture of the composite ceramic structure of the braking band body envisages that a plurality of reinforcing fibres is incorporated in the mixture of filaments and organic binder. Such fibres are arranged so that they extend along the profile of said body for impeding the

propagation of cracks.

[00113] Advantageously, these reinforcing fibres exhibit a length of more than 25mm and preferably of more than 35mm. For example, these reinforcing fibres extend along the entire profile of the geometrical area of likely formation of cracks and/or flaws, such as seat shaped areas for connecting the braking band to the bell .

[00114] The content of the composite material components may vary in percentages by volume on the volume of the material, for example, as follows:

[00115] - filament bundles 40-70%, preferably 50-60%;

[00116] - binder 5-30%, preferably 15-25%;

[00117] - additives 0.5-20%, preferably 1-15%;

[00118] - reinforcing fibres 4-30%, preferably 10-20%. [00119] Advantageously, the* reinforcing fibres are arranged in the mixture of filaments and binder directly into the mould, prior to the forming step.

[00120] Advantageously, such reinforcing fibres can been arranged along annular portions, for example increasing, of said disc, for example and preferably in the proximity of the inner connecting diameter between the braking band and the bell.

[00121] Advantageously, the reinforcing fibres are substantially inert on the composite component and have a sufficient resistance at the silicon infiltration and

pyrolysis temperatures for preventing them from degrading during the preparation of the component material of the disc.

[00122] To this end, the material of the reinforcing fibres preferably consists of carbon fibres. In any case it is possible to use other materials such as SiC, Si3N4, TiC, as well as metal materials, for example platinum, suitable for standing the temperatures of interaction with silicon. [00123] The reinforcing fibres can be incorporated in the material in various ways. For example, the reinforcing fibres can be sorted into a plurality of bundles that are arranged according to predetermined directions . [00124] Such directions can for example be weft and warp directions, said bundles forming a fabric, for example advantageously suitable for covering the entire area concerned by the crack formation and/or propagation. [00125] As an alternative, the reinforcing fibres can make a non-woven fabric, for example a felt.

[00126] The reinforcing fibres can further form one or more inner layers of the disc body, layers that advantageously but in a non-limiting manner can be parallel to at least one of the braking surfaces and/or transversal to at least one braking surface.

[00127] The filament bundles and/or the reinforcing fibres can be coated in advance with a protective resin, preferably polyurethane, before being used in accordance with the method described above . [00128] As an alternative, the filament bundles and the reinforcing fibres can be coated in advance with the same organic binder used to prepare the mixture. [00129] In this way, a higher cohesion of the material and a more compact product are obtained. [00130] During the pyrolysis of the shaped body, the resin and the organic binder carbonise creating a protective layer on the filament bundles and on the reinforcing fibres, preventing any disgregation thereof or even dissolution in the subsequent treatment with silicon.

[00131] In this way, the filament bundles and the reinforcing fibres keep their original shape in the entire process thus obtaining a material with good cohesion and resistance characteristics . [00132] Advantageously, the incorporation of the reinforcing fibres in the mixture can take place in different ways.

[00133] According to a preferred embodiment, such incorporation is carried out according to the steps of: [00134] i) arranging a first layer of said mixture

along the profile of said mould;

[00135] ii) adding on said first layer of mixture said plurality of reinforcing fibres that extend along said profile so as to impede the propagation of cracks; [00136] iii) arranging a second layer of said mixture on said first layer so as ^to completely cover said plurality of reinforcing fibres.

[00137] The stratification operations described above can be repeated a predetermined number of times so as to obtain a multi-layer composite material wherein each layer of reinforcing fibres is incorporated between two layers of mixture comprising filament bundles . [00138] The reinforcing fibres can be added to the mixture in the form of a plurality of bundles that are arranged according to predetermined directions.

[00139] Such predetermined directions can for example be weft and warp directions, said bundles thus forming a fabric. As an alternative, multiple bundles of reinforcing fibre associated or woven to each other form a single weft or warp thread for making said fabric .

[00140] The fabric can for example comprise 2 to 30 reinforcing fibres per cm, preferably 5-8 fibres/cm. [00141] As an alternative, the reinforcing fibres can make a non-woven fabric, for example a felt. [00142] The quantity of reinforcing fibres incorporated

in the mixture is function Qf the desired content of v reinforcing fibres in the end composite material, said content being comprised for example within the range 4- 30% by volume on the volume of the material, preferably 10-20%.

EXAMPLE 1

[00143] Below is an example of preparation of the composite material according to the above second embodiment of the method for making a braking band composite structure of a brake disc according to the invention.

[00144] A mixture containing (percentages by volume referred to the mixture volume) 65% of carbon filament bundles, having diameters comprised between 0.3mm and 0.5mm and lengths from 5mm to 10mm, 23% of dry phenolic resin, and 12% of SiC powder was prepared with a mixer of known type, for example an Eirich mixer.

[00145] The mixing allowed obtaining a casual distribution of the filament bundles. [00146] A portion of the mixture was then arranged into the cavity of an annular shaped mould with inner diameter of 335mm and height of 70mm, to form a layer. [00147] A fabric of carbon reinforcing fibres of annular shape, prepared in a conventional manner and having 6 fibres per cm, was arranged on the above layer.

The reinforcing fibres of this fabric had diameters between 0.3mm and 0.5mm and formed bundles of 3000 units or 3K, impregnated with polyurethane .

[00148] The above fabric was then coated with more mixture until the mould was filled.

[00149] The mixture comprising the fabric was then formed by heating the mould to ^" _v a temperature of 100 ⁰ C and applying a pressure of 30bar, for producing a rough body shaped as a disc, or "green body". [00150] The rough body was then removed from the mould and fired in a furnace for 12 hours at the temperature of HOO ⁰ C. The (pyrolysis) firing took place with an overpressure of 30mbar in inert atmosphere thanks to an argon flow conveyed in the furnace with a flow rate of 30 litres/min.

[00151] After the firing, the disc was subject to a dry finish, for example with diamond tools, in a conventional manner . [00152] At that point, the rough disc was placed inside a container provided with holes for the gas venting. The container was then filled with an amount of silicon in granular form. The container was then heated in the furnace up to a temperature of 1500 ⁰ C and left in the furnace for 8 hours. The firing was then conducted partly under vacuum, at a residual pressure of 2mbar and was

followed by cooling inside the furnace by a continuous nitrogen flow.

[00153] The composition of the composite material, expressed as percentages by volume relative to the material volume, was as follows: 55% of filament bundles,

10% of additives, 15% of reinforcing fibres and 20% of products generated by the binder pyrolysis .

[00154] The disc thus obtained, after cooling, was subject to finish by diamond tools for removing the deformations from the surface and achieving the shape with the desired precision and tolerance for the subsequent steps that shall be described hereinafter.

* * *

[00155] In accordance with a third embodiment of the process according to the invention, the manufacture of the composite material envisages that the end composite material is obtained by forming at least two layers (a base layer and at least one surface layer) which differ essentially in the length of the carbon filaments used for forming them.

[00156] Preferably, shorter filaments are arranged in the surface layer so that during the silication step they can offer a larger reactive surface to silicon to thus have a final content by weight of free carbon of 20% less than the total weight of the surface layer.

[00157] Advantageously, moreover, the composite material thus obtained does not exhibit clear separation interfaces between the various layers as a consequence of the forming process. This protects the composite material from the formation of cracks or flaws to the interface between the layers, the latter further having substantially the same thermal expansion coefficient . [00158] Advantageously, reinforcing fibres can be incorporated in the base layer and/or in the surface layer which extend along the body profile so as to impede the propagation of cracks or flaws, for example according to the methods described above and/or along the directions described above. [00159] The content of the components in the above two mixtures - expressed as percentages by volume on the mixture volume - may vary for example as follows: [00160] - filament bundles 50-80%; [00161] - binder 5-30%; [00162] - additives 0.7-23%; [00163] - reinforcing fibres 0-30%.

[00164] The chemical binder is a conventional binder which can be chosen from the group comprising phenolic and acrylic resins, paraffin, pitches, polystyrenes, etc. Preferably, the binder is chosen from the group comprising pitches and phenolic resins.

[00165] Preferably, the binder will be added to the mixture preferably at the solid state. For example, the phenolic resin can be added in the form of pellets, powder or granules.

[00166] The conventional additives are used as fillers and, indirectly, for regulating the porosity and the density of the desired composite material . [00167] Such additives consist of particles of inorganic materials such as preferably graphite powder, silicon carbide, metal nitrides and carbides. [00168] Advantageously, the filament in the first mixture and the second mixture and/or the reinforcing fibres can be coated in advance with a protective resin, preferably polyurethane, before being used.

[00169] As an alternative, the filament and/or the reinforcing fibres can be coated in advance with the same chemical binder used to prepare the mixture. In this way, a higher cohesion of the material and a more compact product are obtained.

[00170] During the pyrolysis firing of the shaped body, the resin and the chemical binder carbonise creating a protective layer on the filament bundles and on the reinforcing fibres, preventing any disgregation thereof or even dissolution in the subsequent treatment with

silicon. In this way, the filament bundles and any reinforcing fibres keep their original shape in the entire process thus obtaining a material with good cohesion and resistance characteristics. [00171] Advantageously, in preparing the second mixture, or the mixture used for making the surface layer, it is possible to suitably choose the amount of filaments and of SiC powder, the length of the carbon filaments and the grain size of the SiC powder based on the friction coefficient value on the surface layer to be obtained at the end of the silication.

[00172] The three following tables show three examples of mixtures wherein there are respectively indicated the amounts of filaments and of SiC powder to use, the length of the filaments and the grain size of the SiC powder. Table 1

Table 2. Variation of the filament length

Table 2. Variation of the SiC grain size

EXAMPLE 2 [00173] Below is an example of preparation of the composite material accordirig to the above third embodiment of the method for making a braking band composite structure of a brake disc according to the invention. [00174] A first mixture containing, in percentages by volume on the mixture volume, 65% of carbon filaments having a diameter from 0.3mm to 0.5mm and a length from 7mm to 10mm, 23% of dry phenolic resin and 12% of silicon carbide powder was prepared in an Eirich mixer, in a conventional manner.

[00175] In the same way, a . second mixture containing,

in percentages by volume on the mixture volume, 65% of carbon filaments having a diameter from 0.3mm to 0.5mm and a length of about 3mm, 23% of dry phenolic resin and 12% of silicon carbide powder was prepared. [00176] A portion of the second mixture was then arranged into the cavity of an annular shaped mould with inner diameter of 150mm, outer diameter of 335mm and height of 102mm in such an amount as to form, in the finished product, a layer (surface layer) with a thickness of about lmm.

[00177] After levelling the surface thereof, a second layer (base layer) consisting of the first mixture, was laid on such layer in such an amount as to obtain, in. the finished product, a thickness of about 30mm. Such surface was levelled, too.

[00178] A third layer of the second mixture in such an amount as to form, in the finished product, a layer with a thickness of about 1 mm, was laid on the second layer, so as to obtain a sandwich configuration. [00179] After that, the layers of the first and of the second were formed by heating the mould at a temperature of 100 ⁰ C and applying a pressure equal to 30 bar thus obtaining a rough body shaped as a disc. [00180] The rough disc, after having been extracted from the mould, was subject to (pyrolysis) firing in a

furnace heated at a temperature of HOO ⁰ C for a standing time of 12 hours .

[00181] The firing was conducted with an overpressure of 30mbar and in inert atmosphere for the presence of argon, conveyed in the furnace with a flow of 30 litres/minute .

[00182] After the firing, said disc was subject to dry- finish with diamond in a conventional manner so as to remove surface deformations. [00183] At that point, the rough disc was placed inside a container provided with holes for the gas venting. The container was charged with silicon in grains in the amount required for filling the gap between the disc and the container. The container was then transferred in a furnace heated at the temperature of 1500 ⁰ C and was left in such furnace for 8 hours. The firing was conducted under vacuum with a residual pressure of 1.5mbar followed by a cooling in the furnace with continuous blowing in of nitrogen at atmospheric pressure. [00184] The disc thus obtained, after cooling, was subject to finish by diamond tools for removing the deformations from the surface and achieving the shape with the desired precision and tolerance for the subsequent processes described hereinafter. [00185] This disc therefore exhibits a micro-fibrous

surface layer.

* * *

[00186] In accordance with a fourth embodiment, carbon filament bundles and a liquid mixture consisting of graphite powder and phenolic resin dissolved in solvent (furfuryl alcohol) are mixed. The cavity of a mould is filled with the mixture thus obtained for proceeding with the forming of the material and with the heating thereof at a temperature of about 80-150 ⁰ C for allowing the polymerisation of the phenolic resin, obtaining a shaped body.

[00187] The body thus obtained is subject to a first firing at the temperature of 1000 ⁰ C in inert atmosphere for allowing the pyrolysis of the carbon compounds present and obtaining a porous carbon structure .

[00188] After that, a second firing was carried out with silicon in granules up to the temperature of about 1500-1800 ⁰ C, determining the melting of the silicon granules and thus the infiltration of the fused silicon into the pyrolysed body layer. During this step, the body silication occurred with the "^reaction between Si and C which was free to form a SiC matrix.

[00189] The body thus obtained, after cooling, is subject to finish by diamond tools for removing the deformations from the surface and achieve the final shape

with the desired precision and tolerance for the subsequent steps .

[00190] In accordance with a further embodiment, the preparation of the composite material envisages that, at the end of the pyrolysis firing, the pyrolysed body having a porous carbon structure is impregnated with a liquid mixture capable of forming an anti-oxidant layer during the subsequent steps of the making method. [00191] Preferably, the liquid mixture to be applied consists of a phenolic resin dissolved in solvent (for example, furfuryl alcohol) added with SiC powder and carbon powder and/or fibres.

[00192] After the application of the above mixture, the semi-finished product is subject to a slight heating (temperatures between 100 ⁰ C and 200 ⁰ C) which causes the solvent evaporation and the .resin polymerisation, and thus the forming of a solid SiC based layer. [00193] Advantageously, the pyrolysed body is subject multiple times to the impregnation and heating steps . [00194] Preferably, a second pyrolysis firing, which substantially concerns the above solid surface layer and then the silicon infiltration of the body obtained so far, follows. The silication treatment transforms the above solid layer into a layer almost entirely consisting of SiC.

[00195] At the end of the silication, the semi-finished product exhibits a SiC layer having a thickness comprised between 0.2mm and 5mm, and preferably between 0.5mm and 2.5mm. [00196] Advantageously, it is possible to avoid both the second pyrolysis and the silication, leaving the surface layer with SiC, obtained after the polymerisation of the resin and the binder used for impregnating the pyrolysed body, unchanged. EXAMPLE 3 A

[00197] Below is a first example of preparation of the composite material according to the above fourth embodiment of the method for making a braking band composite structure of a brake disc according to the invention.

[00198] Carbon filament bundles 3K and a liquid mixture consisting of graphite powder and phenolic resin dissolved in a 1:1 ratio in furfuryl alcohol were mixed for about one hour. The filaments had a length of about 16mm.

[00199] The cavity of an annular mould with inner diameter of 150mm, outer diameter of 335mm and height of 102mm, was filled with the mixture thus obtained. [00200] The forming of the material and the heating thereof were then carried out at a temperature of about

100 ⁰ C for allowing the polymerisation of the phenolic resin, obtaining a shaped body.

[00201] The body thus obtained was subject to a first firing at the temperature of 1000 ⁰ C in inert atmosphere for allowing the pyrolysis of the carbon compounds present and obtaining a porous carbon structure.

[00202] After that, a second ⁴ heating was carried out up to the temperature of 1600 ⁰ C, determining the melting of added silicon granules and thus the infiltration of the fused silicon into the pyrolysed body. During this step, the body silication occurred with the reaction between Si and C which was free to form a SiC matrix.

[00203] The disc thus obtained, after cooling, is subject to finish by diamond tools for removing the deformations from the surface and achieving the final shape with the desired precision and tolerance for the subsequent processes.

EXAMPLE 3 B

[00204] Below is a second example of preparation of the composite material according to the above fourth embodiment of the method for making a braking band composite structure of a brake disc according to the invention.

[00205] Carbon filament bundles 3K and a liquid mixture consisting of graphite powder and phenolic resin

dissolved in a 1:1 ratio in furfuryl alcohol were mixed for about one hour. The filaments had a length of about 16mm.

[00206] The cavity of an annular mould with inner diameter of 150mm, outer diameter of 335mm and height of 102mm, was filled with the mixture thus obtained. [00207] The forming of the material and the heating thereof were then carried out at a temperature of about 100 ⁰ C for allowing the polymerisation of the phenolic resin, obtaining a shaped body.

[00208] The body thus obtained was subject to a first firing at the temperature of .1000 ⁰ C in inert atmosphere for allowing the pyrolysis of the carbon compounds present and obtaining a porous carbon structure. [00209] After the pyrolysis, a mixture comprising carbon powder and/or fibres and SiC powder and phenolic resin dissolved in furfuryl alcohol was applied on the body surface so as to form a continuous and even surface layer . [00210] The body provided with the above surface layer, arranged between two metal plates, was then subject to heating up to 13O ⁰ C, during which the resin polymerisation took place [00211] The body thus treated, after being extracted from the mould, was then placed in a furnace with inert

atmosphere in a bed of silicon granules . The body was then fired at the temperature of 1000 ⁰ C for a period of 3 hours, causing the pyrolysis of the polymerised surface layer . [00212] After that, a second heating was carried out up to the temperature of 1600 ⁰ C, determining the melting of the silicon granules and thus the infiltration of the fused silicon into the surface pyrolysed layer and into the underlying body. During this step, the body silication occurred with the reaction between Si and C which was free to form a SiC matrix. The silicate surface layer allows preserving the underlying carbon fibres from oxidation. [00213] The disc thus obtained, after cooling, is subject to finish by diamond tools for removing the deformations from the surface and achieving the final shape with the desired precision and tolerance for the subsequent processes.

* * *

[00214] In accordance with a fifth embodiment, it is envisaged that the carbon fibres to use in making the composite material are previously subject to a pre- treatment comprising the following sub-steps. [00215] The carbon fibres, in the form of filaments, filament bundles or fabrics, are coated with a synthetic

resin (for example furanic or phenolic) .

[00216] The fibres are then compressed together into a mould for ejecting the air present and the resin is solidified maintaining the forming pressure. [00217] The product thus obtained is then subject to carbonisation in inert atmosphere up to maximum temperatures of 1250 ⁰ C, preferably up to 850-950 ⁰ C. Preferably, the heating speed in the range between 300 ⁰ C and 600 ⁰ C must be slow, for example equal to 4°C/h. [00218] The carbonised product is then impregnated under vacuum with an organic compound (for example phenolic, furanic resins and/or pitches) and then subject again to carbonisation, in this case at a higher speed. This second impregnation and carbonisation has the purpose of forming other carbon layers on the product obtained, closing any pores thereon.

[00219] The product thus obtained is then subject to a graphitising process, in a conventional manner, at temperatures between 1800 ⁰ C and 2400 ⁰ C. [00220] At this point, the product is ground using grinding machines, obtaining pieces of graphitised carbon fibres .

[00221] The material thus obtained is then mixed with an organic binder (for example, phenolic and/or furanic resins) .

[00222] The mixture thus obtained is then subject to forming in a mould, at pressures comprised between 10 and 30bar for a time ranging between 30min and 5 hours, in order to harden the resins therein. [00223] The shaped body thus obtained is then subject to carbonisation in inert atmosphere (pyrolysis) at temperatures comprised between 850 ⁰ C and 1250 ⁰ C. [00224] Advantageously, a graphitising process is envisaged at temperatures comprised between 1800 ⁰ C and 2200°C.

[00225] The carbonised body then undergoes a silicon infiltration process at temperatures comprised between 145O ⁰ C and 2200 ⁰ C, preferably between 1650 ⁰ C and 1750 ⁰ C. Once the temperature required for the silicon infiltration in the porous body and for the SiC formation has been reached, the treatment continues for a period of time comprised between lOmin and Ih.

[00226] In accordance with a further embodiment, according to any one of thø methods described above, parts of a component, for example a braking band, are manufactured and are then assembled to one another for forming a braking band, for example by gluing. In this way it is possible to make with different features surface layers of the braking flanges in the proximity of the braking surfaces relative to the body of the braking

band, as well as give a special shape to the ventilation ducts or channels in the case of ventilated braking band.

EXAMPLE 4

[00227] Below is an example of preparation of the composite material according to the above fifth embodiment of the process for making a braking band composite structure of a brake disc according to the invention.

[00228] Carbon filament bundles 3K were mixed for about one hour with an aqueous mixture (14% of water) of phenolic resin.

[00229] The mixture was subject for 3h to forming and curing into a mould at the temperature of 140 ⁰ C and at a pressure of 5N/mm2. [00230] The shaped body thus obtained was then subject to pyrolysis up to the final temperature of 900 ⁰ C for a period of 144h.

[00231] At the end of the pyrolysis, the product was subject again to two impregnation and pyrolysis cycles for 8h up to a maximum temperature of 95O ⁰ C.

[00232] The product thus obtained was then subject to a

20min graphitising process with heating in inert atmosphere up to 2200 ⁰ C.

[00233] The product thus treated was then ground to obtain a fraction equal to 48% of particles having a size

between 0.25mm and 2mm and a fraction equal to 1% of particles of size larger than 2mm.

[00234] The ground material was then mixed for 15 min with a phenolic resin added with micro-granules of fossil carbon tar pitch (grain size ≤ 20μm) . The composition in percentages by weight was as follows: 31.9% of phenolic resin, 9.6% of pitch and 58.5% of ground material. [00235] The mixture thus obtained was then subject to forming in a mould, at a .pressure of 15bar and a temperature of 150 ⁰ C for 2h in order to cure the resin therein.

[00236] The shaped body thus obtained was then subject to carbonisation in inert atmosphere (pyrolysis) up to a maximum temperature of 900 ⁰ C for a period of 144h, and then to graphitising for 15min in Argon atmosphere at a temperature of 2200 ⁰ C.

[00237] The carbonised body then undergoes a vacuum silicon infiltration process (3mbar of absolute pressure) at a temperature of 1750 ⁰ C. * * * *

[00238] As already mentioned hereinbefore, at the end of the silicon infiltration step, the braking band body exhibits at least one surface layer consisting of a composite ceramic structure which comprises SiC (Silicon Carbide) and Si (silicon) phases wherein carbon filament

bundles are buried. Such surface layer is coated by a continuous thin film essentially consisting of Silicon and, in some cases, of Silicon Carbide.

[00239] According to the . method of the present invention, at the end of the silication step, once cooled, the body of composite ceramic material is subject to a mechanical processing step for obtaining two opposite planar and parallel braking surfaces. [00240] This mechanical processing step only concerns a portion of the body surface and comprises surface finishing operations, in particular of braking surface finish, which can be carried out at dry or wet in a conventional manner. [00241] Such operations have the primary purpose of removing the above continuous ϊilm comprising silicon and of obtaining the planarity of the above braking surfaces and removing any surface deformations present thereon. [00242] Thus, at the end of this mechanical processing step, at the braking surfaces, the thin silicon and silicon carbide film is completely removed, thus exposing the surface layer consisting of the matrix of silicon and silicon carbide with carbon filaments buried therein. [00243] At the braking surfaces the braking band body therefore exhibits carbon fibre filaments exposed on the surface .

[00244] The term "surface" hereinafter refers to the material comprised up to a maximum depth of about 500μm (0.5mm) .

[00245] In the micro-photography shown in the annexed Figure 4, it is possible to see the surface state of the braking surfaces following the silication and the mechanical finishing process. In particular, in the enlargement of figure 4 it is possible to see a portion of braking surface showing the silicon and the silicon carbide phases .

[00246] In the micro-photography shown in the annexed Figure 5, it is possible to see with greater enlargement the portion of the braking surface with the presence of carbon fibres of a fibre bundle emerging from the surface.

[00247] Advantageously, but not necessarily, after the mechanical processing of the body it is possible to envisage a step of impregnation of the body of composite ceramic material with an anti-oxidant compound to protect also the inside channels and the disc interior from oxidation.

[00248] The process according to the invention at this point envisages a step of removal of the surface carbon not bonded with silicon at the above braking surfaces . [00249] According to a fundamental aspect of the

present invention, the surface carbon removal essentially has the purpose of preventing the end product from exhibiting, underneath a protective coating, which is described in greater detail hereinafter, carbon fibres interconnected so as to form preferential oxidation paths parallel to the coating itself .

[00250] The presence of such paths would in fact impair the life of the brake disc. The combustion of the carbon fibres along such paths (which would unavoidably trigger due to the high and very high operating temperatures of the braking discs and to the presence of the oxygen penetrated through the protective coating) over time would cause the forming of micro-cavities parallel to the coating, generating the conditions for the propagation of cracks and flaws with the consequent flaking off of the coating itself.

[00251] Preferably, the surface carbon removal extends up to a depth comprised between a minimum of 0. lmm and a maximum of 0.6mm, and even more preferably between 0.2mm and 0.5mm.

[00252] It has been noted that a removal of the surface carbon limited to thicknesses smaller than 0. lmm does not ensure that the remaining carbon filaments are completely disconnected from one another, considering all the possible spatial arrangements of the filaments and the

possible diameters thereof .

[00253] The upper depth limit of carbon removal on the other hand is dictated by the maximum value that the end protective coating can have. A carbon removal extended to thickness of more than 0.6mm would lead to have in some points coating thicknesses exceeding 0.7 - lmm, with the high risk of generation of dangerous tensions and consequently, cracks and flaws. [00254] According to a preferred embodiment, the surface carbon removal is carried out mechanically, in particular by cleaning the surfaces with an abrasive jet.

[00255] Preferably, SiC powder (silicon carbide) is used as abrasive material but it is also possible to use corindon (A12O3) powder, mullite (3A12O3 -2SiO2) powder or glass powder if it is intended to reduce the removal at the Si and SiC phases.

[00256] Advantageously, the usable powder has a grain size comprised between 200 and 500μm of mean diameter. [00257] Preferably, the cleaning step is conducted using automated sandblasting systems with nozzle fed with compressed air. An example of system usable is the Blast Cabinet™ mod. ABD 1500 or the device Indirect 601 Pressure System (depicted in the annexed Figure 6) , both products made by the company Airblast™.

[00258] The abrasive material in the form of powder is carried by a flow of compressed air and then projected on the part to be treated by a nozzle. The latter has a diameter variable between 8 and 12mm and is made of a harder material than the abrasive powders used (corindon, mullite, glass, SiO2, SiC) , suςh as Boron Carbide (B4C) . [00259] Preferably, a rate of abrasive powder is used which is comprised between 0.6 and 2 litres of powder/min and an air rate of about 5 m3/min. [00260] Preferably, the abrasive jets have a pressure variable within the range between 1 and 5bar. [00261] Advantageously, these automatic sandblasting systems are provided with a closed operating chamber inside which there is arranged at least one movable nozzle and a turntable on which the piece to be treated is placed.

[00262] In order to obtain a cleaning treatment as even as possible, the piece to be treated is made to rotate at a speed comprised between 5 and lOrpm by the turntable, whereas the nozzle is moved in radial direction relative to the piece at a speed comprised between 1 and 4 mm/s, preferably 2 mm/s.

[00263] Preferably, the nozzle is kept at a distance comprised between 180mm and 220mm from the surface of the part to bet treated, and preferably 200mm.

[00264] The length of the cleaning treatment depends on the carbon removal depth to be obtained. In the above operating conditions, using SiC powder having a grain size of about 500μm, the cleaning treatment period changes from a minimum of lOmin to obtain a removal up to lOOμm to a maximum of 30min to obtain a removal up to 60Oμm.

[00265] Advantageously, at the end of the cleaning step with abrasive jets, the residual powder is blown away from the part with air jets.

* * *

[00266] In accordance witfcύ another embodiment, the surface carbon application can be carried out by combustion. [00267] Preferably, the surface carbon combustion is carried out by burning in the furnace in controlled atmosphere .

[00268] Operatively, the disc of composite ceramic material is heated in the presence of oxygen at temperatures above 55O ⁰ C, temperature at which the carbon combustion reactions trigger. The temperatures must not exceed 1430 ⁰ C, temperature at which the silicon melting begins, with consequent disc collapsing.

[00269] The combustion depth level essentially depends on the process length, on the temperature and on the

oxygen percentage in the comburent air.

[00270] Preferably, the temperature is kept below 1000 ⁰ C for limiting the carbon burning to the braking surfaces only and preventing the onset of undesired silicon oxidation phenomena.

[00271] In this way, also the carbon present in the portions which do not belong 1^o the braking surfaces and and which are therefore protected by the thin Si and SiC film, not removed during the previous mechanical processing step, is protected from the combustion.

[00272] Advantageously, the pieces can be heated up to 650 ⁰ C in a controlled atmosphere with a medium percentage of oxygen (02) equal to 19 %, keeping the pieces at such temperature for about 2 hours. The heating ramp and the treatment period of time depend on the amount of pieces loaded into the furnace.

[00273] At the braking surfaces without the thin Si and SiC film, the carbon combustion proceeds progressively from the part surface inwards, essentially regulated by the diffusive oxygen phenomena inside the air spaces and the porosities present in the Si and SiC matrix. This phenomenon contributes to preserving also the innermost carbon structure of the part at the braking surfaces from the degradation. * * *

[00274] As an alternative, the surface carbon combustion can be carried out by flame exposing, using a direct flame, for example of the welder lamp type. In this case, the zone concerned by the combustion is that exposed to the flame, i.e the braking surfaces.

[00275] At the end of the surface carbon removing step, the body of the braking band exhibits a core consisting of a Si, SiC and carbon matrix (carbon being essentially in the form of fibres) and, only as regards the previously processed portions (braking surfaces) , a surface layer consisting of Si and SiC, which exhibits micro-cavities and craters due to the removal of the surface carbon. [00276] These micro-cavities have a maximum depth equal to the thickness of the layer concerned by the carbon removal (< 0.6mm) and a surface extension related to the arrangement of the burnt or removed carbon fibres. [00277] In the micro-photography shown in the annexed Figure 8 which shows a section of a composite body of braking band after the cleaning step with abrasive jet, it is possible to see the presence of micro-craters

(pointed out with the arrows in the Figure) .

* * *

[00278] The surface carbon removal step is followed by the step of depositing a protective layer at the braking

surfaces .

* * *

[00279] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the protective layer is deposited by plasma deposition. [00280] A plasma deposition process essentially consists in spraying a fused or partly fused material on a surface of an item to be coated.

[00281] As schematised in the annexed Figure 7, the material in the form of powders is injected in a plasma jet at a very high temperature (which can reach 30,000 ⁰ C). The powders are accelerated at high speed by the jet flow and heated to their melting point by heat transfer from the plasma. The powders are directed on the item surface and after the impact they generate a coating of many layers of superimposed particles.

[00282] This deposition process is called cold process since normally the substrate is not heated above 150 ⁰ C, with the advantage of not altering the mechanical properties thereof. [00283] Advantageously, in any case, it is possible to keep the substrate temperature lower by air or liquid gas cooling systems.

[00284] Preferably, a device with non-transferred arc plasma torch is used. [00285] The torch is provided with a copper anode and a

tungsten cathode. A transport gas is made to flow around the cathode which then flows through the nozzle shaped anode. The transport gas can consist of argon, nitrogen, helium or mixtures thereof with hydrogen. [00286] The plasma is activated by a direct current electrical arc between the electrodes, usually preceded by a high frequency discharge. Voltage and current vary with the cathode/anode geometry and based on the gas flow and composition. The plasma generated through the electrical arc consists of free electrons, ionised atoms and neutral atoms. The anode/cathode configuration, the gas density, the flow speed and the electrical power determine the plasma temperature and speed. [00287] The plasma jet speed for conventional torches is subsonic, but supersonic speeds can be generated using diverging/converging nozzles with critical output angles . [00288] Preferably, the powders of the material to be sprayed are charged in the plasma jet through a feeding duct directly at the nozzle output (anode) . [00289] Preferably, the grain size of the powders that can be used in the plasma deposition ranges between 5 and 60μm.

[00290] To achieve even acceleration and heating of the single powder component it is necessary to have a minimal grain size distribution. Very fine powders are heated and

accelerated more quickly, but at the same time they tend to lose momentum faster when they are sprayed at larger distances. Finer powders also tend to cause operating problems to the torch. Even if the use of larger grain size powders implies additional costs, it gives greater deposition efficiency and better deposition product quality.

[00291] Preferably, pure A12O3 powders or A12O3 mixed with TiO2 are used, preferably with percentage ratios by weight equal to 97/3, 87/13 and 60/40.

[00292] However, it is advantageously possible to use also powders of pure metals or* non-metals, preferably Ti or Si, both pure and mixed. [00293] If the materials used for making the protective layer already are at the oxidized state, such as A12O3 and TiO2, the deposition can take place in the presence of oxygen, i.e in standard ambient (or atmospheric) conditions, using the so-called Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) technique. [00294] If metals or non-metals at the non-oxidized state are used like Ti or Si, to prevent the onset of undesired oxidation reactions which would alter the chemical-physical characteristics of the final coating, the deposition must take place without or at least with reduced presence of oxygen.

[00295] In this case, the plasma deposition is carried out under vacuum, using the so-called Vacuum Plasma Spray

(VPS) technique, or under partial vacuum (LVPS = Low

Vacuum Plasma Spray) , or in controlled atmosphere of inert gas (CAPS= Controlled Atmosphere Plasma Spray) .

[00296] With the plasma deposition technique it is possible to obtain thickness of the protective coating comprised within the range of 0.05-0.5mm. [00297] Operatively, the spray plasma systems used are provided with a closed operating chamber inside which at least one spraying nozzle acts and there is arranged a turnable platform on which at least one part to be treated is placed. [00298] In order to obtain a spraying as even as possible, the piece to be treated is made to rotate at a speed comprised between 5 and lOrpm, whereas the nozzle moves in radial direction relative to the piece at a mean speed of about 2mm/s. Advantageously, the nozzle passes onto the same surface portion multiple times. * * *

[00299] For example, it is possible to use a Plasma Spray PM 9MB equipment made by SuIzer Metco with single cathode and nozzle at 60°. The machine absorbs an electrical power of 6OkW and can process a rate of 30 g/min of Al2O3/TiO2 powder with grain size of lOμm. The

carrier gas used is a mixture of He and Ar. [00300] The coating thickness depends on the treatment length and on the rate of material fed by the plasma torch. [00301] For example, at the end of the depositing step, at the braking bands, the braking band body exhibits .a protective coating of mean thickness comprised between 0.2mm and 0.7mm and preferably between 0.2mm and 0.5mm. [00302] Such protective coating is closely coupled to the surface layer of the disc, thanks to the micro- roughness generated by the removal of the surface carbon. A close geometrical coupling therefore occurs between the protective coating and the \ braking surfaces, which favours the mechanical resistance of the coating itself. * * *

[00303] As an alternative, the protective layer can also be deposited by a Flame Spray, HVOF (High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Thermal Spray Process) , Arc Spray or Detonation Thermal Spray Process. All these processes envisage the combustion of the spraying carrier and therefore exhibit the limit of causing the oxidation of the materials forming the coating.

* * *

[00304] Preferably, after the step of depositing the protective coating, a step of mechanical finishing the

above braking surfaces is envisaged.

[00305] Such mechanical process is intended for grinding the braking surfaces for obtaining the desired roughness, planarity and thickness. Diamond tools are used for this purpose.

[00306] In particular, this mechanical finishing step allows reducing the thickness of the protective layer, bringing it to thicknesses be _l low 0.5mm, and preferably between 0.1 and 0.3mm, and even more preferably to 0.2mm. * * *

[00307] At this point, the braking band body is ready to be assembled for example to a traction bell, obtaining a product of the type depicted in Figure 10. [00308] Some embodiment examples the application of the production process according to the invention shall now be described. The examples 5 to 8 are respectively referred to the composite ceramic structures made according to the description of examples 1 to 4 above . [00309] In all the following examples, it is assumed that the ceramic structure has already been subject to a mechanical process aimed at obtaining braking surfaces without the Si and SiC protective film; therefore, on the surface thereof such surfaces exhibit the Si phase, the SiC phase and the carbon phase of the fibres buried or partly buried in Si and SiC.

EXAMPLE 5

[00310] A disc of composite ceramic material obtained according to the description of the previous example 1 was used. Following the finishing process, the silicon and silicon carbide film was abraded from the braking surfaces .

[00311] The body was subject to cleaning with an abrasive jet, using a sandblasting system mod. ABD 1550 by the company Airblast. [00312] SiC powder with a grain size equal to 500μm was used as abrasive material. The jet had a rate of about 1 litre of powder/min and a pressure of about 2bar. [00313] The disc was made to rotate at a speed of about 6rpm by the turntable, while* the nozzle was moved in radial direction relative to the piece at a speed of about 2mm/s, keeping the nozzle at a distance of about 200mm.

[00314] At the end of the cleaning, which lasted for about 25min, a surface carbon removal to a variable depth from about 0.3mm to 0.5mm was obtained.

[00315] After blowing away the residual powder with air jets, the disc was then subject to the plasma deposition step.

[00316] A plasma spray equipment PM 9MB by Sulzer Metco with single cathode with boron carbide nozzle was used.

The equipment was charged with mixed powder of A12O3 and TiO2 (percentage ratio by weight equal to 96/4 and grain size equal to lOμm) , with a powder rate of about 30 g/min. The plasma was generated with a mixture of Ar and He.

[00317] The disc was made to rotate at a speed of about 6rpm, with the nozzle moving was moved in radial direction relative to the piece at a mean speed of about 2mm/s. [00318] The treatment lasted for about 35min obtaining a protective coating having a mean thickness variable from 500 to 600μm.

[00319] After cooling, the disc was subject to a final finishing process with diamond tools, obtaining an A12O3 96/TiO2 4 coating at the braking surfaces having a mean thickness of about 400μm.

EXAMPLE 6

[00320] A disc of composite ceramic material obtained according to the description of the previous example 2 was used. Following the finishing process, the silicon and silicon carbide film was abraded from the braking surfaces .

[00321] The body was subject to cleaning with an abrasive jet, using a sandblasting system mod. ABD 1550 by the company Airblast.

[00322] SiC powder with a grain size equal to 400μm was used as abrasive material. The jet had a rate of about 1.5 litres of powder/min and a pressure of about 3bar. [00323] The disc was made to-rotate at a speed of about 7rpm by the turntable, while the nozzle was moved in radial direction relative to the piece at a speed of about 1,8 mm/s, keeping the nozzle at a distance of about 190 mm. [00324] At the end of the cleaning, which lasted for about 25min, a surface carbon removal to a depth of about 0.35mm was obtained.

[00325] After blowing away the residual powder with air jets, the disc was then subject to the plasma depositing step . [00326] A plasma spray equipment PM 9MB by Sulzer Metco with single cathode with boron carbide nozzle was used.

The equipment was charged with mixed powder of Al2O3/TiO2

(percentage ratio by weight equal to 97/3 and grain size equal to 15μm) , with a powder rate of about 25 g/min. The plasma was generated with a mixture of Ar and He.

[00327] The disc was made to rotate at a speed of about 8rpm, with the nozzle moving was moved in radial direction relative to the piece at a mean speed of about 2mm/s . [00328] The treatment lasted\ for about 30min obtaining

a protective coating having a mean thickness of about 400μm.

[00329] After cooling, the disc was subject to a final finishing process with diamond tools, obtaining an A12O3/TiO2 97/3 coating at the braking surfaces having a mean thickness of about 300μm.

EXAMPLE 7

[00330] A disc of composite ceramic material obtained according to the description ©f the previous example 3A in one case and 3B in another case was used. Following the finishing process, the silicon and silicon carbide film was abraded from the braking surfaces. [00331] The body was subject to cleaning with an abrasive jet, using a sandblasting system mod. ABD 1550 by the company Airblast .

[00332] SiC powder with a grain size equal to 300μm was used as abrasive material. The jet had a rate of about 0.8 litres of powder/min and a pressure of about 2bar. [00333] The disc was made to. rotate at a speed of about 7rpm by the turntable, while the nozzle was moved in radial direction relative to the piece at a speed of about 1,8 mm/s, keeping the nozzle at a distance of about 200 mm. [00334] At the end of the cleaning, which lasted for about 20min, a surface carbon removal to a depth of about

0.25 mm was obtained.

[00335] After blowing away the residual powder with air jets, the disc was then subject to the plasma deposition step. [00336] A plasma spray equipment PM 9MB by Sulzer Metco with single cathode with boron carbide nozzle was used.

The equipment was charged with mixed powder of Al2O3/TiO2

(percentage ratio by weight equal to 97/3 and grain size equal to 15μm) , with a powder rate of about 30 g/min. The plasma was generated with a mixture of Ar and He.

[00337] The disc was made to rotate at a speed of about

6rpm, with the nozzle moving was moved in radial direction relative to the piece at a mean speed of about

2mm/s . [00338] The treatment lasted for about 30min obtaining a protective coating having a mean thickness of about

400μm.

[00339] After cooling, the disc was subject to a final finishing process with diamond tools, obtaining an Al2O3/TiO2 97/3 coating at the braking surfaces having a mean thickness of about 300μm in one case and 200μm in another case .

EXAMPLE 8

[00340] A disc of composite ceramic material obtained according to the description of the previous example 4

was used. Following the finishing process, the silicon and silicon carbide film was abraded from the braking surfaces .

[00341] The body was subject to cleaning with an abrasive jet, using a sandblasting system mod. ABD 1550 by the company Airblast .

[00342] SiC powder with a grain size equal to 300μm was used as abrasive material. The jet had a rate of about 0.8 litres of powder/min and a pressure of about 2bar. [00343] The disc was made to rotate at a speed of about 7rpm by the turntable, while* the nozzle was moved in radial direction relative to the piece at a speed of about 1,8 mm/s, keeping the nozzle at a distance of about 200 mm. [00344] At the end of the cleaning, which lasted for about 30min, a surface carbon removal to a depth of about 0 , 4 mm was obtained.

[00345] After blowing away the residual powder with air jets, the disc was then subject to the plasma deposition step .

[00346] A plasma spray equipment PM 9MB by SuIzer Metco with single cathode with boron carbide nozzle was used.

The equipment was charged with mixed powder of Al2O3/TiO2

(percentage ratio by weight equal to 97/3 and grain size equal to 15μm) , with a powder rate of about 30 g/min. The

plasma was generated with a mixture of Ar and He. [00347] The disc was made to rotate at a speed of about 6rpm, with the nozzle moving was moved in radial direction relative to the part at a mean speed of about 2mm/s.

[00348] The treatment lasted for about 30min obtaining a protective coating having a mean thickness of about

500μm.

[00349] After cooling, the disc was subject to a final finishing process with diamond tools, obtaining an Al2O3/TiO2 97/3 coating at the braking surfaces having a mean thickness of about 350μm.

EXAMPLE 9 [00350] A mixture containing (percentages by volume referred to the mixture volume) 50% of carbon fibres, having diameters comprised between 0. lmm and 0.5mm and mean length of 8mm, 45% of dry phenolic resin, and 5% of graphite powder was prepared with an Eirich mixer. [00351] The mixing lasted 5 minutes. [00352] An annular shaped mould with inner diameter of 335mm and height of 70mm was filled to form a layer. [00353] The mixture was then formed by heating the mould to a temperature of 160 ⁰ C and keeping it at such temperature for about 40min. A pressure of 30bar was applied, obtaining a rough body shaped as a disc.

[00354] The rough body was then removed from the mould and fired in a furnace for 48 hours at the temperature of 950 ⁰ C. The firing took place with an overpressure comprised between 2 and 30mbar in inert atmosphere thanks to an argon flow conveyed in the furnace with a flow rate of 30 litres/min.

[00355] At that point, the rough disc was placed inside a graphite crucible adding an amount of 99% pure silicon equal to 1.35 times the disc weight. [00356] The crucible was then placed in the furnace and here heated to 1600 ⁰ C and kept at such temperature for about 0.5 hours . The firing was carried out under vacuum with residual pressure of 2mbar. [00357] The disc thus obtained, after cooling, was subject to a mechanical grinding process with diamond wheels for obtaining planar braking surfaces. [00358] The disc was then impregnated with anti-oxidant under vacuum and made to dry in the furnace with inert atmosphere (Ar) at 600 ⁰ C. [00359] The body was then subject to cleaning with an abrasive jet, using a sandblasting system mod. ABD 1550 by the company Airblast.

[00360] SiC powder with a grain size equal to 500μm was used as abrasive material. The jet had a rate of about 0.6 litres of powder/min and a pressure of about 2bar.

[00361] The disc was made to rotate at a speed of about 6rpm by the turntable, while the nozzle was moved in radial direction relative to the piece at a speed of about 2mm/s, keeping the nozzle at a distance of about 200mm.

[00362] At the end of the cleaning, which lasted for about 15min, a surface carbon -removal to a depth of about 0 , 2 mm was obtained. [00363] After blowing away the residual powder with air jets, the disc was then subject to the plasma deposition step.

[00364] A plasma spray equipment PM 9MB by Sulzer Metco with single cathode with boron carbide nozzle was used. The equipment was charged with mixed powder of Al2O3/TiO2 (percentage ratio by weight equal to 97/3 and grain size equal to 45μm) , with a powder rate of about 30 g/min. The plasma was generated with a mixture of Ar and He. [00365] The disc was made to rotate at a speed of about 6rpm, with the nozzle moving was moved in radial direction relative to the part at a mean speed of about 2mm/s .

[00366] The treatment lasted for about 30min obtaining a protective coating having a mean thickness of about 40Oμm. [00367] After cooling, the disc was subject to a final

grinding process with diamond tools for imparting the end finish to the braking surfactes. An Al2O3/TiO2 coating (percentage ratio by weight equal to 97/3) having a mean thickness of about 300μm was then obtained at the braking surfaces .

* * *

[00368] It has been experimentally proven that brake discs having braking bands in accordance with the method according to the invention exhibit higher resistance to oxidation and therefore longer life as compared to the brake discs of conventional type.

[00369] To this end, an oxidation test was carried out which consisted in subjecting three discs of the same type to two firing cycles in air at 700 ⁰ C for 2 hours. At the end of each cycle, the weight loss (in percentage as compared to the initial weight, as an average of the three discs) ascribable to the loss of free carbon, was measured . [00370] The following discs were subject to the test: [00371] - three discs without coating (A) obtained according to the process of example 1;

[00372] - three discs (B) obtained according to the process of example 2; [00373] - three discs with SiC coating (C) obtained according to the process of example 3B; and

[00374] - three discs obtained according to the present invention (D) , as described in example 9.

[00375] The results are shown in the following Table:

from which it is possible to notice a clear reduced weight loss of the disc produced according to the invention.

[00376] It has been experimentally proven that brake discs produced in accordance with the method according to the invention exhibit during braking an higher friction coefficient as compared to the conventional discs.

[00377] To this end, a disc (E) produced according to the invention (example 9) and a disc (F) without coating (example 1) were subject to te ^' sts to the dynamic bench. [00378] The tests consisted in subjecting the discs to braking from a speed of 260km/h to a speed of 30km/h. On an average, the friction coefficient measured for disc E was about 15% higher than the mean one measured for disc F.

[00379] The results are shown in the diagram of Figure 34, where "Coated Disc" refers to disc E according to the invention, whereas "No Coating" refers to disc F. [00380] Finally, a thermal shock test was carried out on a disc obtained according to the invention (example 9) , hardening a disc brought to the temperature of 800 ⁰ C by immersion in water at 20 ⁰ C for two minutes. The analysis carried out showed no cracks on the surface protective layer. [00381] The composite ceramic materials described above are used in several applications where a high resistance to impact, compression and temperature generated by friction is required, characteristics that cannot be ensured by simple ceramic materials due to the intrinsic fragility thereof. An interesting embodiment, as said above, is that in braking systems, in particular for preparing discs for disc brakes.

[00382] The composite material can be shaped in various shapes according to the end use thereof. In particular, the material can be advantageously used in the production of brake components for vehicles, in particular of disc brakes .

[00383] In such embodiment, the above material can be shaped as a braking band or ring for disc for making the braking component of a disc brake or being applied to a

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traction bell of such braking band. Moreover, the above material can also be applied to the calliper body of a disc brake, as well as to the braking pad and be shaped in a suitable manner for such applications. With the composite material it will also be possible to make so- called ventilated discs, such as those described in international applications no. PCT/ITOO/00543 of 22.12.2000, no. PCT/lTOl/00412 of 27.07.2001 and no. PCT/lTOl/00411 od 27.07.2001 in the name of the same Applicant of the present patent application.

[00384] Below are some of the major advantages of the present invention.

[00385] In the proposed material, the carbon phase arranged in a single plane below the thin protective layer is not present, thus preventing many little burns from being aligned for forming a crack propagation path that separates this protective layer from the underlying body matrix. In other words, the forming of an interconnected path for the propagation of flaws or cracks is prevented.

[00386] Advantageously, thanks to the proposed solution, it is possible to envisage a protective layer with predetermined thin thickness as desired. [00387] In this way, moreover, the protective layer is prevented from tensioning on the surface.

[00388] Thanks to the proposed solution, the protective layer is deposited in rough parts left free from carbon after cleaning with abrasive jet or burning or flame exposinig and therefore it is closely and geometrically coupled to the body.

[00389] In any case, the carbon still present in the body and not removed is inside the body and not aligned in an interconnected path of propagation of the crack which when forms always meets a barrier of Si and/or SiC and/or reinforcing fibres which stops the progress thereof .

[00390] Thanks to the fact that the protective layer does not flake off and does not detach from the braking surface, this remains smooth, planar and parallel, allowing excellent running comfort and extending the disc life.

[00391] A man skilled in the art may make several changes, adjustments and replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent ones to the preferred embodiment solution of the material and of the braking band described above, in order to meet specific and incidental needs, without departing in any case from the scope of the following claims.

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