Fluorite Powder, a mineral powder mainly composed of calcium fluoride, has gradually found its application in the production of brake shoes. When added to brake shoes mixtures and mixes, it exerts a notable influence on the performance of brake shoes friction materials. Let’s explore its technical parameters, advantages, and disadvantages.

Fluorite powder has a relatively high melting point of around 1,360 °C. This property is crucial for brake shoes as it can withstand the high – temperature environment generated during the braking process. In extreme braking conditions where the temperature at the friction surface can reach up to 600 – 800 °C, the fluorite powder in the brake shoes can maintain its physical state and contribute to the stability of the friction material.

On the Mohs scale, fluorite has a hardness of about 4. This moderate hardness can enhance the wear – resistance of the brake shoes friction materials to a certain extent. For example, in a wear – test with 50,000 braking cycles, brake shoes with 10% fluorite powder by weight showed a 15% reduction in wear depth compared to those without it.

The density of fluorite powder is approximately 3.18 g/cm³. This density value affects the overall weight of the brake shoes and can also play a role in the inertia – related aspects of braking force modulation.

The high melting point of fluorite powder enables the brake shoes to better resist high – temperature deformation during braking. In high – speed braking tests, brake shoes with fluorite powder experienced 30% less heat – induced deformation than those without it. This helps in maintaining the shape and performance of the brake shoes under extreme heat, reducing the risk of brake fade.

Due to its moderate hardness, fluorite powder can improve the wear – resistance of the brake shoes friction materials. Long – term usage data shows that the service life of brake shoes with fluorite powder can be extended by about 20 – 30% compared to traditional brake shoes. This means fewer replacements, saving both time and cost for vehicle owners.

Fluorite powder is chemically stable in most common environments. It does not react easily with other components in the brake shoes mixture, ensuring the long – term stability of the friction material’s performance. This chemical stability also makes the brake shoes more reliable in different weather and road conditions.

Although fluorite powder has some positive effects on braking performance, its ability to precisely modulate the friction coefficient is relatively limited. In sudden braking or different – speed braking scenarios, the friction coefficient of brake shoes with fluorite powder may not be as adjustable as some specialized friction – enhancing materials. For example, in an emergency braking test from 100 km/h, the deviation of the friction coefficient of fluorite – containing brake shoes from the optimal value was about 10 – 15%, which may slightly affect the braking distance.

The extraction and processing of fluorite can have environmental impacts. Mining operations may cause land – use changes and potential water pollution. Additionally, if the brake shoes with fluorite powder are not properly disposed of at the end of their life cycle, the release of fluorine – containing compounds may have negative effects on the environment.

In regions where fluorite resources are scarce, the cost of obtaining fluorite powder can be relatively high. The transportation and import costs may increase the overall production cost of brake shoes by 30 – 50% compared to using more locally – sourced materials. This can limit the widespread use of fluorite – powder – based brake shoes in these areas.

In summary, fluorite powder offers advantages such as improved heat resistance, enhanced wear resistance, and chemical stability in brake shoes production. However, its limitations in friction modulation, environmental concerns, and cost – effectiveness in certain regions need to be carefully considered. Brake shoe manufacturers should make comprehensive evaluations based on the specific requirements of their products and the market situation.