The Application of Carbon Fiber in Brake Linings Production

In the field of brake linings manufacturing, the choice of materials is pivotal for ensuring reliable braking performance and safety. Carbon Fiber has emerged as a remarkable component in the composition of brake linings friction materials, exerting a profound influence on the properties of brake linings mixtures and mixes.

Advantages of Carbon Fiber in Brake Linings

1. Exceptional Strength – to – Weight Ratio

Carbon Fiber is renowned for its outstanding strength – to – weight ratio. When incorporated into brake linings, it significantly enhances the mechanical strength of the brake linings friction materials while keeping the overall weight relatively low. This is especially beneficial for high – performance vehicles where reducing unsprung weight is crucial. For example, in racing cars, the use of carbon – fiber – reinforced brake linings can improve acceleration, handling, and fuel efficiency. The high strength also ensures that the brake linings can withstand the high – stress forces during braking, reducing the risk of mechanical failure.

2. Superior Heat Resistance

Carbon Fiber exhibits excellent heat – resistance properties. During the braking process, a large amount of heat is generated, and carbon fiber can effectively dissipate this heat. It can maintain its structural integrity and mechanical properties even at extremely high temperatures, up to 1000°C or more in some cases. This high – temperature stability prevents the degradation of the brake linings friction materials, ensuring consistent and reliable braking performance. In contrast to some traditional materials, carbon fiber – based brake linings are less likely to fade under heavy braking conditions, providing a more stable braking force.

3. Low Wear Rate

Brake linings with carbon fiber have a relatively low wear rate. The smooth and durable nature of carbon fiber reduces the friction – induced wear on both the brake linings themselves and the brake discs or drums. This not only extends the service life of the brake linings but also that of the other braking components. As a result, maintenance intervals can be extended, and the overall cost of ownership is reduced. For commercial vehicles that operate for long hours and cover large distances, the low – wear property of carbon – fiber – containing brake linings can lead to substantial savings in maintenance and replacement costs.

Disadvantages of Carbon Fiber in Brake Linings

1. High Cost

One of the major limitations of using Carbon Fiber in brake linings production is its high cost. The production process of carbon fiber is complex and energy – intensive, involving multiple steps such as precursor preparation, spinning, oxidation, and carbonization. These processes contribute to the high price of carbon fiber, making brake linings with a significant amount of carbon fiber relatively expensive. This cost factor restricts its widespread use, especially in mass – market vehicle segments where cost – effectiveness is a primary concern.

2. Sensitivity to Moisture

Carbon Fiber is sensitive to moisture absorption. In humid environments, carbon fiber can absorb water molecules, which may lead to a decrease in its mechanical properties. When used in brake linings, this moisture absorption can affect the performance of the brake linings friction materials. For example, it may cause swelling, which can disrupt the uniform distribution of the material within the brake linings mixture and ultimately impact the braking performance. Special precautions and treatments are often required to mitigate the effects of moisture on carbon – fiber – based brake linings.

In conclusion, Carbon Fiber offers remarkable advantages like high strength – to – weight ratio, superior heat resistance, and low wear rate in brake linings production. However, its high cost and sensitivity to moisture pose challenges that need to be addressed. Future research efforts could be directed towards developing more cost – effective production methods for carbon fiber and improving its resistance to environmental factors such as moisture.