DOI: https://doi.org/10.19184/berkalafstpt.v2i3.1288

Keywords: composite brake block of the train, carbon powder, the bending test of wearing a pin on disc, test of hardness shore D, and test of scanning electron microscope (SEM)

ABSTRACT

The metallic and composite brake blocks have characteristics and advantages that need to be considered based on the needs and operational conditions of the railway. This study aims to determine the process of making composite brake blocks with carbon powder, iron sand, and epoxy resin and to understand their characteristics. Three variations of compositions, including 70 grams of epoxy resin + 15 grams of iron sand + 15 grams of carbon powder, 65 grams of epoxy resin + 15 grams of iron sand + 20 grams of carbon powder, and 55 grams of epoxy resin + 15 grams of iron sand + 30-gram carbon powder to produce distinct characteristic and properties. The fabrication of composite brake blocks was carried out using the vacuum infusion method. The tests conducted included hardness testing, wear testing, bending testing, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The results ofthe tests showed thatthe hardness was 102.66 HRR, and the bending strength was 5985 N/cm^2, meetingthe standard for railway composite brake blocks. However, the wear test result of 1.81 x 10^-6 mm^2/kgdid not meet the standard value for the wear of railway composite brake blocks.