Application of Chopped Glass Fiber 3mm in Brake Shoes Production
In the realm of brake shoes manufacturing, Chopped Glass Fiber 3mm has emerged as a crucial component within brake shoes mixtures and mixes, significantly influencing the performance characteristics of brake shoes friction materials.
Technical Parameters
- Tensile Strength
- Chopped Glass Fiber 3mm exhibits an impressive tensile strength, typically ranging from 1500 – 2000 MPa. This high – strength property allows it to effectively reinforce the brake shoes friction materials. For example, during the braking process, when the friction materials are subjected to shearing forces up to 500 MPa, the glass fiber can withstand these forces and prevent the matrix from failure.
- Thermal Stability
- It can endure temperatures up to 500 – 600°C without substantial degradation. In high – speed braking scenarios where the temperature of brake shoes can spike to 400°C within seconds, the glass fiber maintains its structural integrity, ensuring the stability of the friction material.
- Aspect Ratio
- With a length of 3mm, the aspect ratio (length – to – diameter ratio) of the chopped glass fiber usually falls in the range of 100 – 200, depending on the fiber diameter. A higher aspect ratio, such as 150, enables better stress transfer within the brake shoes mixture, enhancing the overall mechanical properties of the friction material.
Advantages
- Mechanical Reinforcement
- When added to brake shoes mixtures, Chopped Glass Fiber 3mm can boost the flexural strength of the brake shoes friction materials by 30 – 50%. In a standardized bending test, the friction material without the fiber had a flexural strength of 20 MPa, while the one with 12% (by weight) of the 3mm glass fiber achieved a flexural strength of 30 – 35 MPa. This reinforcement significantly improves the durability of the brake shoes under harsh braking conditions.
- Enhanced Heat Resistance
- The high – temperature resistance of the glass fiber effectively combats brake fade. In a series of tests involving continuous braking for 5 minutes at a speed of 100 km/h, brake shoes with Chopped Glass Fiber 3mm maintained a friction coefficient of 0.35 – 0.40, while those without the fiber saw a reduction in the friction coefficient to 0.20 – 0.25 due to overheating.
- Superior Abrasion Resistance
- Brake shoes with 3mm chopped glass fiber show remarkable abrasion resistance. In a 100,000 – kilometer driving simulation test, the wear depth of the friction material with the glass fiber was only 2 – 3 mm, while that without the fiber reached 4 – 5 mm, indicating a 40 – 50% reduction in wear rate.
Disadvantages
- Cost – Intensive
- The production and processing of Chopped Glass Fiber 3mm are relatively complex, resulting in a higher cost. Incorporating this fiber into brake shoes mixtures can increase the overall production cost by 20 – 30%. For mass – market brake shoe manufacturers aiming for cost – effective production, this can be a significant drawback.
- Brittleness Concerns
- Despite its high tensile strength, glass fiber is brittle. In cases of sudden, high – impact braking forces exceeding 1000 N, the glass fiber may break, potentially reducing the reinforcement effectiveness and causing local damage to the friction material.
- Environmental Impact
- The disposal of brake shoes containing Chopped Glass Fiber 3mm poses environmental challenges. Since glass fiber is non – biodegradable, improper disposal can lead to long – term environmental pollution. Recycling these brake shoes is also more difficult compared to those made with biodegradable materials.
In summary, Chopped Glass Fiber 3mm offers substantial advantages in improving the performance of brake shoes. However, its high cost, brittleness, and environmental implications necessitate careful consideration during the brake shoe manufacturing process. Manufacturers must weigh these factors based on their specific product requirements and market demands.