The Application of Wood Pulp Fiber in Brake Pads Production

In the intricate domain of brake pads manufacturing, the composition of brake pads friction materials is of utmost importance. Among the various materials explored, Wood Pulp Fiber has carved out a niche for itself in brake pads mixtures and mixes, presenting a unique blend of advantages and disadvantages.

1. Advantages

1.1 Cost – effectiveness

Wood Pulp Fiber stands out for its affordability. It is sourced from renewable wood resources, which contributes to its relatively low cost. In comparison to synthetic fibers like Kevlar, which are commonly used in high – end brake pads, Wood Pulp Fiber can be up to 60% less expensive. In large – scale industrial production, substituting a portion of traditional synthetic fibers with Wood Pulp Fiber in brake pads mixtures can lead to a reduction in material costs by approximately 25 – 35%. This cost – effectiveness is a major boon for manufacturers looking to produce competitively priced brake pads for the mass market.

1.2 Good Formability

The formability of Wood Pulp Fiber is a significant advantage during the production process. Its flexible and fibrous structure allows it to be easily incorporated into different brake pads mixes. For example, in the hot – pressing process of brake pads production, Wood Pulp Fiber can conform to the mold with great ease. Research indicates that in over 90% of hot – pressing trials, brake pads with Wood Pulp Fiber achieved the required geometric accuracy and surface smoothness. This high success rate in formability not only ensures the quality of the final product but also reduces production time and waste.

1.3 Noise – reducing Property

Noise generation during braking is a common issue that can affect the driving experience. Wood Pulp Fiber plays a crucial role in mitigating this problem. In real – world driving tests, vehicles equipped with brake pads containing Wood Pulp Fiber showed a reduction in braking noise by 35 – 45 decibels compared to those with traditional brake pads. Acoustic analysis reveals that the unique structure of Wood Pulp Fiber helps to absorb and dissipate the vibrational energy that causes noise, thus providing a quieter braking experience.

2. Disadvantages

2.1 Low Heat Resistance

Heat resistance is a critical factor in brake pads performance, and Wood Pulp Fiber falls short in this aspect. When the temperature of brake pads exceeds 220°C, which can easily occur during heavy – duty braking or high – speed driving, the Wood Pulp Fiber in the brake pads friction materials begins to decompose. At 350°C, it loses about 40% of its initial mechanical strength. This degradation can lead to a decrease in the friction coefficient by up to 25%, resulting in longer braking distances and potentially compromising safety.

2.2 Moisture Sensitivity

Wood Pulp Fiber has a high affinity for moisture. In a high – humidity environment (relative humidity above 75%), the moisture content of Wood Pulp Fiber in brake pads can increase by 20 – 25% within 48 hours. This moisture absorption causes the fiber to swell, which in turn can disrupt the internal structure of the brake pads. As a result, the shear strength of the brake pads can decrease by 15 – 20%, and the risk of delamination between different layers of the brake pads increases.

2.3 Limited Wear Resistance

Wear resistance is another area where Wood Pulp Fiber – based brake pads face challenges. In laboratory – simulated wear tests, brake pads with Wood Pulp Fiber exhibited a wear rate that was 50 – 60% higher than those made with more wear – resistant materials such as carbon – fiber composites. This means that the service life of Wood Pulp Fiber – containing brake pads is typically shorter, usually requiring replacement after 25,000 – 35,000 kilometers of driving, while high – performance brake pads can last up to 70,000 – 80,000 kilometers.

In summary, Wood Pulp Fiber offers cost – saving, formability, and noise – reduction benefits in brake pads production. However, its limitations in heat resistance, moisture sensitivity, and wear resistance cannot be ignored. To fully utilize the potential of Wood Pulp Fiber, further research and development are needed, such as developing new treatment methods to improve its heat and moisture resistance.