The Application of Magnesium Oxide Heavy in Brake Pads Production
In the realm of brake pads manufacturing, the search for high – performance materials is an ongoing pursuit. Magnesium Oxide Heavy, with its unique chemical and physical properties, has attracted attention as a potential ingredient in brake pads production. This material brings both distinct advantages and certain drawbacks to the table.
1. Magnesium Oxide Heavy in Brake Pads
Magnesium Oxide Heavy, with the chemical formula MgO, is an inorganic compound. It has a high melting point of about 2852 °C, which endows it with excellent thermal stability. The density of Magnesium Oxide Heavy typically ranges from 3.58 – 3.65 g/cm³. Its relatively high density can affect the mass distribution within the brake pads, which in turn may influence the braking performance. Moreover, its chemical stability and resistance to chemical reactions make it a material that can maintain its integrity in the complex environment of brake pads.
2. Incorporation into brake pads mixture
When formulating brake pads mixtures, Magnesium Oxide Heavy is combined with multiple other components. Binders, often phenolic resins, are used to hold the mixture together. These resins create a matrix that embeds the Magnesium Oxide Heavy particles along with other ingredients, ensuring a cohesive structure. Fillers such as graphite or calcium carbonate are added to modify the physical and mechanical properties of the mixture. In a common brake pads mix, Magnesium Oxide Heavy usually accounts for 5 – 12% by weight. This proportion is carefully adjusted because an appropriate amount can optimize the performance of the brake pads. For example, increasing the content of Magnesium Oxide Heavy within a certain range can enhance the thermal stability of the mixture, but an excessive amount may disrupt the balance of other properties.
3. Role in brake pads friction materials
In brake pads friction materials, Magnesium Oxide Heavy plays a crucial role. A well – designed friction material with the right amount of Magnesium Oxide Heavy can help maintain a stable friction coefficient. Under normal braking conditions, brake pads with an optimized Magnesium Oxide Heavy content can maintain a friction coefficient in the range of 0.4 – 0.6. This stability is essential for ensuring consistent braking force. Whether it’s a small – sized vehicle or a large – capacity commercial truck, the friction provided by brake pads containing Magnesium Oxide Heavy contributes to the reliable braking performance.
Advantages of Using Magnesium Oxide Heavy in Brake Pads
- Exceptional Thermal Stability: Thanks to its high melting point, Magnesium Oxide Heavy can withstand high temperatures generated during braking. In high – speed braking tests, brake pads with Magnesium Oxide Heavy maintained their structural integrity even when the temperature reached 600 °C, while brake pads without it showed signs of degradation at around 450 °C. This thermal stability ensures that the braking performance remains consistent under extreme conditions.
- Enhanced Wear Resistance: Incorporating Magnesium Oxide Heavy into brake pads can improve their wear resistance. Laboratory tests indicate that brake pads with Magnesium Oxide Heavy have a wear rate that is 20 – 30% lower than those without it. This extended lifespan reduces the frequency of brake pad replacements, resulting in cost savings for vehicle owners.
- Good Chemical Inertness: Magnesium Oxide Heavy is chemically inert in many common environments. This property protects the brake pads from chemical corrosion, which could otherwise degrade the braking performance. In a long – term exposure test in a corrosive environment, brake pads with Magnesium Oxide Heavy showed only a 5 – 10% decrease in performance after one year, while those without it experienced a 20 – 30% decline.
Disadvantages of Using Magnesium Oxide Heavy in Brake Pads
- High Cost: The production process of Magnesium Oxide Heavy is relatively complex, which leads to a higher cost compared to some other common materials used in brake pads. Using Magnesium Oxide Heavy can increase the overall material cost of brake pads by 10 – 20%. This cost increase may be a deterrent for some manufacturers aiming to produce low – cost brake pads.
- Difficulty in Processing: Due to its high melting point and hardness, Magnesium Oxide Heavy can be challenging to process during the manufacturing of brake pads. Special equipment and techniques are often required, which can increase the production time and complexity. For example, the mixing process may need to be extended to ensure uniform dispersion of Magnesium Oxide Heavy in the brake pads mixture.
- Potential for Reduced Friction at Low Temperatures: In some cases, brake pads with Magnesium Oxide Heavy may exhibit a slightly lower friction coefficient at low temperatures. Tests show that at around – 20 °C, the friction coefficient of brake pads with Magnesium Oxide Heavy can be 0.05 – 0.1 lower than those without it. This may pose a safety risk in cold – weather conditions.