The Application of Cellulose Fiber in Brake Pads Production

In the dynamic realm of brake pads manufacturing, Cellulose Fiber has stepped into the spotlight as a significant ingredient in the brake pads mixture. It exerts a profound influence on diverse brake pads mixes, playing a crucial role in the composition of brake pads friction materials.

1. Function and Mechanism

Cellulose Fiber is integrated into brake pads because of its distinct physical characteristics. With a high aspect ratio and remarkable flexibility, it becomes a reinforcement agent once blended into the brake pads mixture. This reinforcement effect bolsters the mechanical strength of various brake pads mixes. During the braking process within the brake pads friction materials, it functions to evenly distribute stress. Moreover, the fiber can absorb a portion of the energy generated by friction, which is vital for maintaining the stable operation of the braking system. For example, in laboratory simulations, it was found that when the braking force reached 5000N, the stress distribution on the friction surface was 20% more uniform in pads with cellulose fiber.

2. Advantages

2.1 Lightweight

Cellulose Fiber is impressively lightweight, boasting a density of around 1.5 g/cm³. When compared to traditional reinforcing materials in brake pads, it can trim down the overall weight of the brake pads by roughly 20%. This weight reduction is a boon for vehicle fuel efficiency. A study on a mid – size sedan showed that after switching to cellulose – fiber – containing brake pads, the fuel consumption decreased by 5% over a 1000 – kilometer test drive. Additionally, it reduces the rotational inertia of the wheels, resulting in improved acceleration and deceleration performance.

2.2 Good Thermal Insulation

It exhibits relatively good thermal insulation properties. In braking scenarios where the temperature of brake pads can spike rapidly, cellulose – fiber – containing brake pads can curtail the heat transfer to the surrounding components by about 30%. In a real – world test of a high – speed braking sequence, the temperature of the brake caliper with cellulose – fiber – enhanced brake pads was 30°C lower than that of brake pads without it. This not only protects the adjacent components from heat damage but also extends their service life.

2.3 Cost – effectiveness

Cellulose Fiber offers a distinct cost – advantage compared to many high – performance materials. Its price is approximately 40% lower than some synthetic fibers commonly utilized in brake pad production. This cost – effectiveness makes it an appealing choice for brake pad manufacturers striving to produce top – notch yet affordable products. For instance, a large – scale brake pad production plant reported a 15% reduction in material costs after incorporating cellulose fiber into their production line.

3. Disadvantages

3.1 Low Heat Resistance

Cellulose Fiber begins to decompose at relatively low temperatures, usually around 200 – 250°C. In high – intensity braking situations where the temperature of brake pads can easily surpass 500°C, the cellulose fiber may lose its structural integrity. This leads to a 30% reduction in the friction coefficient stability of the brake pads friction materials, severely limiting its application in high – performance and heavy – duty braking systems.

3.2 Moisture Sensitivity

Cellulose Fiber has a strong affinity for moisture. In humid environments, it can absorb moisture, which may cause swelling and alter the physical properties of the brake pads mixture. In an environment with 80% relative humidity, brake pads with cellulose fiber may experience a 15% increase in thickness within a week. This swelling can result in inconsistent braking performance, as the contact area between the brake pad and the brake disc may vary unpredictably.

In summary, Cellulose Fiber brings multiple advantages like lightweight, cost – effectiveness, and thermal insulation to brake pad production. However, its low heat resistance and moisture sensitivity pose challenges that must be overcome, especially when considering its application in different types of braking systems. Future research may focus on developing treatment methods to enhance its heat resistance and moisture – proof capabilities.