Brake Pads Friction Materials

Brass Fiber is a very common metal friction material filler. Its good heat transfer coefficient helps transfer heat generated at the frictional touch face into the friction product, controlling component temperature. Its chemical composition and micro-structure make it ideal for high performance, high duty friction materials. Brass also has a relatively low Mohs hardness, contributing to anti-friction at high temperature. In Europe, brass is widely used in brake pads, especially high-class friction materials, typically at 5%-8% content.

Wollastonite is a widely used friction material reinforced fiber, gradually replacing asbestos as a main reinforcing fiber in friction material production such as brake linings, brake pads, and other brake system friction materials.

Fiber Steel Wool is a friction raw material filler usable in all kinds of friction materials. It provides excellent stable performance over a wide temperature range, with low wear rate and good heat dissipation. Chopped steel fiber is made from high quality low-carbon steel wire, produced through crapping, chopping, and mixing.

Flake Graphite is probably the most familiar of natural graphite materials, similar to the finely powdered graphite used as a lubricant or pencil "lead." As the name implies, it has a distinctly flaky/platy morphology. Natural amorphous and fine flake graphite are used in brake linings or brake shoes for heavier (non-automotive) vehicles, becoming important as an asbestos substitute, though NAO compositions are increasingly competing for market share.

Phenolic Resin is used as the main adhesive in the friction industry; without its binding effect, a qualified friction product cannot be produced. Resin is the core friction material ingredient, playing an important role in brake pad and clutch manufacture — bearing and distributing pressure capacity by transferring it to fillers and enhancers. Offers low free phenol, high thermal decomposition temperature, low thermal fade at high temperature, good fluidity, low volatility, high soakage for fibers/stuffings, good thermal stability/recovery, and low wear.

Titanates-Potassium Magnesium materials are widely used in the production of automotive ceramic brake pads, train brake shoes, and clutch friction plates.

Rock Wool Fiber (also known as stone wool or mineral fiber) is internationally recognized as a key energy-saving material due to its excellent fire insulation properties. As a friction raw material reinforcing fiber, it is an asbestos substitute that substantially lowers cost. Compared with glass fibers and wollastonite, it reduces brake noise and improves wear resistance. A clean engineering mineral fiber with excellent dispersion and high biodegradability.

Synthetic/Artificial Graphite can be used as a basic raw material for brake pad production and manufacturing. It has characteristics of elasticity, reduced resistance, lubricity, environmental friendliness, absorbability to liquid adhesives, and fusion with water, oil, and adhesives.

Vermiculite is a hydrous phyllosilicate mineral that undergoes significant expansion when heated, with exfoliation occurring in commercial furnaces. Formed by weathering or hydrothermal alteration of biotite or phlogopite, it has a monoclinic crystal structure resembling mica. Generally brown, yellow, or dark green with an oil-like luster, it becomes gray after heating. Used as building material, adsorbent, fireproof insulation, mechanical lubricant, and soil improver.

Calcium Sulfate Whisker (CSW) is a white cotton-like material with perfect structure, regular morphology, and stable dimension — a novel microfiber with L/D ratio 40–300. It's the latest generation reinforcing material for high-performance composites with lower toxicity. Excellent affinity and dispersion with other organic materials, distributing evenly to enhance friction coefficient stability and toughness. Applications: friction & sealing materials, abrasive molds, plastics/rubber modification, filtration, paper, ceramics, paints, asphalt modification.

Flake Graphite/Natural Graphite Powder has a distinctly flaky/platy morphology. Natural amorphous and fine flake graphite are used in brake linings or brake shoes for heavier (non-automotive) vehicles, becoming important as an asbestos substitute.

Mineral Fiber/Mineral Wool (rock wool, stone fiber) is internationally recognized as a key energy-saving material due to excellent fire insulation. As a friction reinforcing fiber, it's an asbestos substitute that substantially lowers cost. Compared with glass fibers and wollastonite, it reduces brake noise and improves wear resistance, with excellent dispersion and high biodegradability.

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), also known as Butadiene Acrylonitrile rubber, is a widely used friction material adhesive with good cold resistance, abrasion resistance, oil resistance, and elasticity. Rubber powder works both as binder and inorganic filler — mixed with resin in different proportions to create a new adhesive that overcomes the brittleness of pure phenolic resin, reduces hardness/modulus, and improves impact toughness.