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Antioxidants: Now They’re Good for Your Brakes
They don’t just fight cancer anymore! Antioxidants developed by Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems have shown to improve brake life and extend service intervals.
The new antioxidants were tested on BAE 146/AVRO RJ brakes, which were allowed to operate longer than normal under difficult braking conditions. The antioxidants also proved effective in combating oxidation caused by runway and airplane deicers.
Inhibitors slow the reaction between carbon and oxygen below 968°F. When the temperature rises above 968 degrees, barrier-forming species in the treatment react with oxygen to form a coating that prevents oxygen from getting into the composites.
Dunlop developed the antioxidants in part to combat the effects of deicing and anti-icing products.
The company has also developed an enhanced carbon brake for the ATR 72 that extends service life. Moreover, new thrust cones of Inconel and spreader plates of stainless steel improve corrosion resistance.
The company has been awarded a contract to service brakes on 34 Thomsonfly (formerly Britannia Airways) aircraft. The 19 Boeing 757s, 13 767s and two 737-800s will generate an estimated 1,300 wheels and 100 brake units to be supplied by Dunlop.
Following recent developments, Dunlop is in the process of improving software that will enhance engineering and program management systems and support new product introduction processes. — Evan Sweetman
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