Brake linings are crucial components in vehicle braking systems, ensuring the safety and reliability of braking operations. The materials used in brake linings friction materials need to possess a combination of properties to meet the diverse demands of braking scenarios. Zinc Oxide, a common inorganic compound with the chemical formula ZnO, has found its way into the production of brake linings mixtures due to its unique physical and chemical properties.

Zinc Oxide can effectively regulate the friction coefficient of brake linings friction materials. By adding an appropriate amount of zinc oxide to the brake linings mixture, manufacturers can fine – tune the friction performance. In laboratory tests, when the content of zinc oxide in the brake linings was adjusted from 3% to 5%, the friction coefficient showed a stable increase within the desired range. This stable and adjustable friction coefficient ensures that the brake linings can adapt to different braking conditions, such as light – duty braking in urban traffic and heavy – duty braking on highways, providing a more consistent and reliable braking experience.

It significantly improves the wear resistance of brake linings. Zinc Oxide particles can form a protective layer on the surface of the brake lining during the braking process. A brake lining manufacturer in Europe replaced a part of the traditional filler in their products with zinc oxide. After a series of wear tests, it was found that the wear rate of the new brake linings decreased by about 25% compared to the original ones. This not only extends the service life of the brake linings but also reduces the frequency of replacement, saving maintenance costs for vehicle owners.

Zinc Oxide has excellent anti – corrosion properties. Brake linings are often exposed to various environmental factors, such as moisture and acidic substances in the air. Zinc oxide in the brake linings can prevent the corrosion of other metal components in the braking system. A fleet of delivery trucks operating in a coastal area with high humidity and salt – laden air started using brake linings containing zinc oxide. After one year of operation, the brake components showed significantly less corrosion compared to trucks using regular brake linings, ensuring the long – term performance and safety of the braking system.

At high temperatures, the performance of zinc oxide in brake linings may decline. When the brake temperature exceeds 400°C during continuous high – speed braking or heavy – duty braking, zinc oxide may start to react with other components in the brake linings mixture. In a test of a high – performance sports car’s braking system, when the brake temperature reached 500°C, the friction coefficient of the brake linings with zinc oxide dropped suddenly, resulting in a significant decrease in braking performance. This high – temperature instability limits the application of zinc – oxide – containing brake linings in some high – performance braking scenarios.

Zinc Oxide, if released into the environment during the wear and tear of brake linings, may have potential environmental impacts. The small zinc oxide particles in the brake dust can be carried by the wind and may enter water sources or soil. In a study on the environmental impact of brake dust in an urban area, it was found that the zinc content in the nearby soil increased slightly due to the release of zinc oxide from brake linings. Although the current environmental regulations have not strictly restricted the use of zinc oxide in brake linings, there are growing concerns about its long – term environmental impact.

There can be compatibility issues when zinc oxide is mixed with certain organic binders in the brake linings mixture. Some high – performance organic binders used in modern brake linings may not interact well with zinc oxide. A research project aiming to develop a new type of high – performance brake lining encountered problems when adding zinc oxide to a newly developed organic binder system. The resulting brake linings showed inconsistent performance, with some areas having poor adhesion and reduced mechanical strength, indicating the need for further research on improving the compatibility of zinc oxide with different binder materials.

Zinc Oxide offers several advantages in the production of brake linings, including friction performance regulation, wear resistance enhancement, and anti – corrosion properties. However, it also has limitations such as high – temperature performance limitations, potential environmental impact, and compatibility challenges. With continuous research and development, new techniques may be developed to address these disadvantages, further expanding the application scope of zinc oxide in brake linings and promoting the development of more advanced and sustainable braking systems.