The Application of Cellulose Fiber in Brake Pads Production

In the manufacturing of brake pads, Cellulose Fiber has emerged as a notable component within the brake pads mixture, influencing various brake pads mixes and playing a role in the makeup of brake pads friction materials.

1. Function and Mechanism

Cellulose Fiber is incorporated into brake pads due to its unique physical attributes. It has a high aspect ratio and good flexibility. When blended into the brake pads mixture, it acts as a reinforcement agent, enhancing the mechanical strength of different brake pads mixes. In the brake pads friction materials, it helps distribute stress evenly during the braking process. This fiber can absorb a certain amount of energy generated by friction, contributing to the stable operation of the braking system.

2. Advantages

2.1 Lightweight

Cellulose Fiber is extremely lightweight, with a density of around 1.5 g/cm³. Compared to some traditional reinforcing materials in brake pads, it can reduce the overall weight of the brake pads by approximately 20%. This weight reduction not only benefits fuel efficiency in vehicles but also reduces the rotational inertia of the wheels, leading to better acceleration and deceleration performance.

2.2 Good Thermal Insulation

It has relatively good thermal insulation properties. In braking scenarios where the temperature of brake pads can soar, cellulose fiber – containing brake pads can reduce the heat transfer to the surrounding components by about 30%. For instance, during a continuous braking test from 100 km/h to a stop 10 times in a row, the temperature of the brake caliper with cellulose – fiber – enhanced brake pads is 30°C lower than that of brake pads without it.

2.3 Cost – effectiveness

Cellulose Fiber is much more cost – effective compared to many high – performance materials. Its price is approximately 40% lower than some synthetic fibers commonly used in brake pad production. This cost – advantage makes it an attractive option for brake pad manufacturers aiming to produce high – quality yet affordable products.

3. Disadvantages

3.1 Low Heat Resistance

Cellulose Fiber starts to decompose at relatively low temperatures, typically around 200 – 250°C. In high – intensity braking situations where the temperature of brake pads can easily exceed 500°C, the cellulose fiber may lose its structural integrity, reducing the effectiveness of the brake pads friction materials. This limits its application in high – performance and heavy – duty braking systems.

3.2 Moisture Sensitivity

Cellulose Fiber has a high affinity for moisture. In humid environments, it can absorb moisture, which may lead to swelling and a change in the physical properties of the brake pads mixture. This can cause the brake pads to expand, leading to inconsistent braking performance. In an environment with 80% relative humidity, brake pads with cellulose fiber may experience a 15% increase in thickness within a week.

In summary, Cellulose Fiber brings certain advantages such as lightweight, cost – effectiveness, and thermal insulation to brake pad production. However, its low heat resistance and moisture sensitivity present challenges that need to be addressed, especially when considering its use in different types of braking systems.