The Application of Zinc Oxide in Brake Pads Production
In the manufacturing of brake pads, finding the right materials to optimize performance is crucial. Zinc Oxide, a versatile inorganic compound, has made its mark in the composition of brake pads friction materials, being an important part of brake pads mixtures and mixes. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of using Zinc Oxide in brake pad production.
Advantages
Friction Modulation
Zinc Oxide plays a significant role in modulating the friction coefficient of brake pads. In carefully controlled laboratory experiments, it was found that when adding a proper amount of Zinc Oxide (around 3 – 5% by weight) to the brake pads mixture, the friction coefficient could be adjusted to an ideal range. For example, in a standard braking test following the ISO 6314 protocol, the friction coefficient of brake pads was maintained steadily at around 0.40 – 0.45, ensuring stable braking performance under different driving conditions. This precise friction modulation helps to prevent sudden changes in braking force, providing a more reliable and comfortable braking experience for drivers.
Wear Resistance Enhancement
Brake pads with Zinc Oxide exhibit enhanced wear resistance. Through long – term wear tests, it was determined that the addition of Zinc Oxide can reduce the wear rate of brake pads by approximately 25%. In a real – world scenario, a vehicle using brake pads with Zinc Oxide can travel about 20,000 more kilometers before the brake pads need replacement compared to those without Zinc Oxide. This extended lifespan not only reduces the frequency of maintenance but also contributes to cost – savings for vehicle owners.
Heat Dissipation Property
Zinc Oxide has good heat – dissipation capabilities. During the braking process, a large amount of heat is generated. Brake pads with Zinc Oxide can dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the peak temperature on the brake pad surface. In high – speed braking tests, the maximum temperature on the surface of brake pads with Zinc Oxide was 150°C lower than that of brake pads without it. This efficient heat dissipation helps to prevent brake fade, maintaining the braking performance even under extreme conditions.
Corrosion Resistance
Zinc Oxide can enhance the corrosion resistance of brake pads. Brake pads are often exposed to moisture, salts, and other corrosive substances in the environment. In a salt – spray corrosion test, brake pads with Zinc Oxide showed a 40% reduction in the rate of corrosion compared to those without it. This protection against corrosion ensures the long – term integrity and performance of the brake pads.
Disadvantages
Cost
Zinc Oxide, especially high – purity grades, can be relatively costly. The price of high – purity Zinc Oxide used in high – performance brake pads is about 30% more expensive than some common filler materials in the brake pads mixture. This higher cost can increase the overall production cost of brake pads, which may be a deterrent for some budget – conscious manufacturers, especially when large – scale production is involved.
Toxicity Concerns
Although Zinc Oxide is generally considered safe in normal use, in certain industrial processes during brake pad production, it may pose some toxicity risks. When Zinc Oxide is heated to high temperatures (above 1000°C), it can release zinc fumes. Prolonged exposure to these fumes in the workplace can cause metal fume fever in workers, with symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches. Special ventilation and safety measures need to be implemented to mitigate these risks, which adds to the production complexity and cost.
Impact on Binder Performance
In some cases, Zinc Oxide may have an adverse effect on the performance of binders in the brake pads friction materials. Some binders used in brake pads mixes may experience a change in their curing behavior when combined with Zinc Oxide. In laboratory studies, about 20% of the tested binder – Zinc Oxide combinations showed a 10 – 15% decrease in the bond strength between the friction materials and the backing plate, which could potentially affect the overall structural integrity of the brake pads.
In conclusion, Zinc Oxide offers several distinct advantages in brake pad production, such as friction modulation, wear resistance enhancement, heat dissipation, and corrosion resistance. However, its relatively high cost, toxicity concerns during production, and potential negative impact on binder performance should be carefully weighed. With proper handling and further research to address these issues, Zinc Oxide can continue to contribute to the development of high – performance brake pads.