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Compo C/BB/K brake block is a rigid moulded friction material,
grey-black in colour, having a random fibre asbestos base and
containing metallic particles. It is manufactured only in the form
of brake blocks, integrally moulded to a back plate. This material
was originally developed to have the ability to withstand the
heavy braking demands of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) stock,
operating suburban passenger services. Its use has since been
extended to a range of duties from low speed shunting locomotives
to high speed passenger trains.
C/BB/K has a higher and more stable coefficient of friction than
the conventional cast iron block which it replaces, resulting in
lower application forces and permitting the use of smaller
cylinders. It is a conformable block designed to eliminate thermal
cracking of tyres, which had hitherto been a barrier to the
widespread use of composition blocks. C/BB/K Block has several
fold advantages in life over cast iron blocks and thus
significantly lengthens service periods. It is particularly
beneficial in those situations where hot cast iron dust would
present a safety hazard. Spark-free blocks are essential in oil
refineries, chemical works and ordinance factories. The
composition block has much to offer in the braking of passenger
rail, minimising braking shocks by its smoother action and
permitting higher load/tare factor.
Indian Railways have been successfully using composition brake
blocks for EMU rakes for over three decades, even in monsoon
conditions.
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Applications : Railway Brakes 