In the realm of brake pads manufacturing, Big Flake Graphite has increasingly become a key component in the brake pads mixture. Its distinct characteristics have a profound impact on different brake pads mixes, playing a crucial role in the formation of brake pads friction materials.

Big Flake Graphite is integrated into brake pads mainly because of its unique physical properties. It has a layered structure with weak intermolecular forces between the layers, which endows it with excellent lubricity. When blended into the brake pads mixture, it can form a lubricating film on the surface of the friction material during the braking process. This film effectively reduces the direct contact between the brake pads and the brake disc, minimizing friction and wear. Moreover, its high thermal conductivity helps dissipate the heat generated by friction quickly, maintaining the stability of the braking system. Laboratory experiments indicate that when the braking speed reaches 100 km/h, the temperature of the brake pads with big flake graphite is 30°C lower than that of pads without it after 10 consecutive braking operations.

Big Flake Graphite offers outstanding lubricating properties. In a friction coefficient test, the friction coefficient of brake pads with big flake graphite is maintained at around 0.3 – 0.4 under normal braking conditions, while that of traditional brake pads without it is about 0.4 – 0.5. This lower friction coefficient not only reduces the wear of the brake pads and the brake disc but also provides a smoother braking experience. For instance, in a city – driving simulation test with 1000 braking operations, the wear of the brake disc paired with big – flake – graphite – containing brake pads is only 0.5 mm, while that with non – graphite brake pads is 0.8 mm.

It has high thermal conductivity, which is beneficial for heat dissipation in the braking system. In a high – speed braking test, the heat dissipation rate of brake pads with big flake graphite is 20% faster than that of ordinary brake pads. This efficient heat dissipation can prevent the brake pads from overheating, thus maintaining the stability of the friction coefficient. When the braking temperature reaches 600°C, the friction coefficient of brake pads with big flake graphite only fluctuates within ±5%, while that of non – graphite brake pads may fluctuate by up to ±15%.

Compared with some high – performance materials, big flake graphite is relatively cost – effective. Its price is about 30% lower than that of certain synthetic lubricants used in brake pads. This cost – advantage makes it an attractive option for manufacturers who aim to balance performance and cost, especially for mid – range and high – volume production of brake pads.

Big Flake Graphite has relatively low compressive strength. When the brake pads are under high – pressure braking conditions, the graphite flakes may be crushed, which can affect the long – term stability of the friction material. In a high – pressure braking test, after 500 high – pressure braking cycles, the friction coefficient of brake pads with big flake graphite starts to show a significant decline, while that of some high – strength materials – based brake pads remains stable.

Graphite dust may be released during the use and wear of brake pads containing big flake graphite. Inhalation of graphite dust over a long period may pose potential health risks to humans, such as respiratory problems. Additionally, the disposal of worn – out brake pads with graphite may also cause certain environmental pollution, although the specific environmental impact is still under research.

In summary, Big Flake Graphite brings several advantages like excellent lubricity, high thermal conductivity, and cost – effectiveness to brake pad production. However, its low compressive strength and potential environmental and health issues need to be carefully considered. Future research could focus on finding ways to improve the compressive strength of graphite – based brake pads and minimize the environmental and health impacts.