The Application of Corundum in Brake Linings Production
In the field of brake linings production, the selection of appropriate brake linings friction materials is fundamental to guarantee the efficient operation and safety of braking systems across a wide range of vehicles and industrial machinery. Corundum, a hard and durable material, has found its way into brake linings mixes, bringing along a set of distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Using Corundum in Brake Linings Mixtures
- High Hardness and Wear Resistance
- Corundum is well – known for its extremely high hardness, second only to diamond on the Mohs scale. When added to the brake linings mixture, it significantly enhances the wear resistance of the brake linings. In heavy – duty trucks or construction machinery that endure frequent and intense braking, the presence of corundum can effectively reduce the wear rate of the brake linings. This not only extends the service life of the brake linings but also reduces the frequency of maintenance and replacement, resulting in cost savings in the long run.
- Good Thermal Stability
- It exhibits excellent thermal stability. During the braking process, large amounts of heat are generated, which can cause many materials to degrade in performance. However, corundum can maintain its structural and mechanical properties even at high temperatures. For example, in racing cars where high – speed braking generates extreme heat, the use of corundum in the brake linings helps ensure that the braking performance remains stable and reliable, without significant changes in the friction coefficient due to heat.
- Enhanced Friction Performance
- Corundum can contribute to a stable and appropriate friction coefficient in brake linings. It provides a consistent friction force under different braking conditions, from gentle braking during normal driving to sudden and forceful braking in emergency situations. This reliable friction performance allows vehicles to decelerate smoothly and accurately, enhancing overall driving safety.
Disadvantages of Using Corundum in Brake Linings Mixtures
- Brittleness
- One of the main drawbacks of corundum is its brittleness. Although it is very hard, it is prone to cracking and fragmentation under certain mechanical stresses. In the brake linings, if the corundum particles are not properly dispersed or if the brake linings are subjected to excessive impact during braking, the corundum may break, which can lead to uneven wear of the brake linings. This not only affects the braking performance but also shortens the lifespan of the brake linings.
- High Abrasiveness to Brake Discs
- Due to its high hardness, corundum can be quite abrasive to the brake discs. Over time, the continuous friction between the corundum – containing brake linings and the brake discs can cause excessive wear of the brake discs. This means that the brake discs need to be replaced more frequently, increasing the overall cost of the braking system maintenance. In addition, the uneven wear of the brake discs caused by corundum can also lead to vibrations and noise during braking.
- Difficult Processing
- Corundum is a hard material, which makes it difficult to process. Incorporating corundum into the brake linings mixture requires special processing techniques and equipment. The high – energy processing requirements increase the production complexity and cost. For example, special grinding and mixing methods are needed to ensure the uniform dispersion of corundum particles in the brake linings mixture, which adds to the manufacturing challenges.
In conclusion, Corundum offers significant advantages in terms of wear resistance, thermal stability, and friction performance when used in brake linings production. However, its brittleness, high abrasiveness to brake discs, and difficult processing characteristics pose challenges. As the industry progresses, research and development efforts should focus on finding ways to overcome these disadvantages while maximizing the benefits of corundum to improve the overall quality of brake linings.