In the complex and ever – evolving field of brake pads manufacturing, Chopped Graphite Paper has emerged as a material of interest for its potential applications in brake pads mixtures. Its unique properties have the potential to influence various brake pads mixes and play a role in the formulation of high – performance brake pads friction materials.

Chopped Graphite Paper, composed mainly of graphite, is integrated into brake pads due to its distinct physical and chemical properties. Graphite has excellent lubricating properties, which can significantly reduce the friction coefficient between the brake pads and the brake disc during the braking process. When added to the brake pads mixture, the chopped graphite paper disperses within the matrix, creating a lubricating film at the interface of the friction materials. This film helps to smooth the braking action, reducing the generation of noise and vibration. For example, in a noise – level test during braking, brake pads with 8% by weight of chopped graphite paper showed a noise level of 60 dB, while those without it had a noise level of 75 dB. Additionally, graphite is a good thermal conductor. During braking, when a large amount of heat is generated, the chopped graphite paper can quickly transfer heat away from the friction surface, preventing the overheating of the brake pads.

The lubricating property of chopped graphite paper is one of its most prominent advantages. In a friction – coefficient test, the friction coefficient of brake pads with 10% chopped graphite paper was 0.35, which is 30% lower than that of brake pads without it (0.5). This lower friction coefficient not only makes the braking process smoother but also reduces the wear rate of the brake pads. Laboratory tests show that the wear depth of brake pads with chopped graphite paper is 0.15 mm less than that of non – graphite – containing pads after 1000 braking cycles.

Chopped graphite paper has high thermal conductivity. When the braking temperature reaches 400°C, the temperature rise on the surface of brake pads with chopped graphite paper is only 40°C, while that of non – graphite – containing brake pads is 60°C. This efficient heat – dissipation ability helps to maintain the stability of the friction coefficient. The friction coefficient of brake pads with chopped graphite paper remains relatively stable at around 0.38 at 400°C, while non – graphite – containing pads may experience a 20% decrease in the friction coefficient. This stability in friction performance is crucial for ensuring consistent braking power.

Graphite is a relatively abundant and low – cost material. The cost of incorporating chopped graphite paper into brake pads is about 30% lower than that of some high – performance synthetic lubricants. This cost – effectiveness makes it an attractive option for brake pad manufacturers, especially when considering large – scale production.

Chopped graphite paper has relatively low mechanical strength. When the brake pads are subjected to high – stress braking conditions, such as sudden heavy braking, the graphite – containing brake pads may experience more severe deformation compared to those with stronger reinforcing fibers. In a compression – strength test, the compression strength of brake pads with 15% chopped graphite paper is 10 MPa, which is 40% lower than that of brake pads reinforced with glass fibers. This lower mechanical strength may limit the application of chopped graphite paper in high – performance braking systems that require high – strength materials.

Graphite is a natural mineral, and its extraction and processing may have some environmental impacts. The mining of graphite can cause land degradation and water pollution. In addition, during the braking process, small particles of graphite may be released into the environment. Although the amount is relatively small, long – term accumulation may still have an impact on the ecological environment.

In conclusion, Chopped Graphite Paper offers several advantages such as excellent lubrication, high thermal conductivity, and low cost in brake pad production. However, its limited mechanical strength and environmental concerns are issues that need to be addressed. Future research could focus on developing composite materials that combine the advantages of chopped graphite paper with other high – strength materials to overcome these limitations and further explore its potential in the brake pad manufacturing industry.