In the manufacturing of clutch facings, the selection of clutch facings friction materials is crucial for the overall performance and lifespan of the clutch system. Big Flake Graphite has found its place in clutch facings mixtures and mixes, bringing along a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages.

Big Flake Graphite is renowned for its excellent lubricating properties. Its layered crystal structure allows the layers to slide easily over one another, providing a natural lubrication effect. In a clutch facings mixture, this lubricity can significantly reduce the friction coefficient. For instance, when 10% Big Flake Graphite is added to the clutch facings mix by weight, the friction coefficient can be decreased by approximately 15 – 20% compared to a mix without it. This reduction in friction not only helps in smooth clutch engagement and disengagement but also reduces wear and tear on the clutch components. In a long – term durability test, clutches with Big Flake Graphite – containing facings showed a 30 – 40% reduction in wear rate over a period of 100,000 clutch operation cycles.

Graphite, including Big Flake Graphite, has high thermal conductivity, with values ranging from 119 – 165 W/(m·K) in the in – plane direction. This property is highly beneficial in clutch facings production. During clutch operation, a large amount of heat is generated due to friction. Big Flake Graphite in the clutch facings mixture can efficiently transfer this heat away, preventing the clutch facings from overheating. In a high – speed driving simulation, clutch facings with 15% Big Flake Graphite maintained a temperature 20 – 30°C lower than those without it. This better heat dissipation helps in maintaining the stability of the friction coefficient and the mechanical properties of the clutch facings friction materials, ultimately improving the performance and reliability of the clutch.

Big Flake Graphite exhibits remarkable chemical stability. It is resistant to most common chemicals and does not react easily with the other components in the clutch facings mixture. This stability ensures that the properties of the clutch facings remain consistent over time. In an accelerated aging test, where clutch facings with Big Flake Graphite were exposed to various environmental conditions and chemical substances for an extended period, there was no significant change in their friction and wear properties. This chemical stability also contributes to the long – term durability of the clutch facings.

One of the main drawbacks of Big Flake Graphite is its relatively low compressive strength. When used in clutch facings mixtures, if the proportion of Big Flake Graphite is too high, it can negatively affect the overall compressive strength of the clutch facings. For example, when the content of Big Flake Graphite in the clutch facings mix reaches 30% by weight, the compressive strength of the clutch facings may decrease by 10 – 15%. This reduction in compressive strength can be a concern in applications where the clutch facings need to withstand high – pressure loads, such as in heavy – duty trucks or industrial machinery.

Big Flake Graphite is more expensive compared to some traditional additives used in clutch facings production. The cost of high – quality Big Flake Graphite can range from \(500 – \)1500 per ton, depending on factors such as purity and flake size. This high cost can significantly increase the production cost of clutch facings. A cost – analysis shows that replacing a common additive with Big Flake Graphite in the clutch facings mix can lead to a 20 – 30% increase in production cost per unit. This cost factor may limit its widespread use, especially in price – sensitive markets.

Due to its large flake size, Big Flake Graphite can be difficult to disperse evenly in the clutch facings mixture. Uneven dispersion can lead to inconsistent properties within the clutch facings. In laboratory tests, when attempts were made to mix Big Flake Graphite into the clutch facings mixture without proper processing, up to 30% of the samples showed significant variations in friction coefficient across the surface of the clutch facings. Specialized mixing techniques and equipment are often required to ensure uniform dispersion, which adds to the complexity and cost of the production process.

In conclusion, Big Flake Graphite offers significant advantages in terms of lubricity, thermal conductivity, and chemical stability when used in clutch facings production. However, its low compressive strength, high cost, and dispersion issues need to be carefully addressed. Manufacturers need to find the right balance and adopt appropriate processing methods to fully utilize the benefits of Big Flake Graphite in producing high – performance clutch facings friction materials.