In the realm of clutch facings production, the choice of materials for clutch facings friction materials is of utmost importance. Calcium Sulfate Whisker has been increasingly utilized in clutch facings mixtures and mixes, presenting a unique set of characteristics that impact the performance of the final product.

Calcium Sulfate Whisker is renowned for its high – strength properties. With a tensile strength reaching up to 20 – 30 GPa, it can significantly reinforce the clutch facings. When added to the clutch facings mixture, it can increase the overall mechanical strength of the clutch facings by about 30 – 40%. For instance, in a bending strength test, the bending strength of clutch facings without the whisker was 30 – 40 MPa, while with the addition of Calcium Sulfate Whisker, it increased to 50 – 60 MPa. This enhanced strength ensures that the clutch facings can withstand higher mechanical stresses during operation, reducing the risk of premature failure.

It exhibits remarkable heat resistance. The decomposition temperature of Calcium Sulfate Whisker is as high as 1200 – 1300°C. In clutch operations, where temperatures can rise during high – speed or heavy – load conditions, this heat – resistant property is crucial. Clutch facings with Calcium Sulfate Whisker can maintain their structural integrity and friction performance even at temperatures up to 500 – 600°C, which is a significant improvement compared to many traditional materials. During a high – temperature endurance test at 550°C for 2 hours, clutch facings with the whisker showed only a 5 – 10% decrease in friction coefficient, while those without it experienced a 20 – 30% decrease.

Calcium Sulfate Whisker can effectively adjust the friction performance of clutch facings. By controlling the proportion of the whisker in the clutch facings mixture, the coefficient of friction can be precisely tuned. In laboratory tests, when the content of Calcium Sulfate Whisker in the mixture was adjusted from 5% to 15%, the coefficient of friction of the clutch facings could be adjusted within the range of 0.3 – 0.5, providing manufacturers with flexibility in meeting different application requirements.

One of the major limitations of Calcium Sulfate Whisker is its relatively high cost. The production process of Calcium Sulfate Whisker is complex, which leads to a high price. It can be 2 – 3 times more expensive than some common additives in clutch facings production. For example, if a regular friction – enhancing additive costs \(10 per kilogram, Calcium Sulfate Whisker may cost \)20 – $30 per kilogram. This high cost can significantly increase the production cost of clutch facings, making it less attractive for cost – sensitive manufacturers.

Dispersing Calcium Sulfate Whisker evenly in the clutch facings mixture is a challenging task. Due to its needle – like structure, it tends to agglomerate, which can lead to uneven distribution in the matrix. In a study on the dispersion of the whisker in the mixture, when using a traditional mixing method, about 30 – 40% of the whisker particles formed agglomerates larger than 50 μm. Uneven dispersion can cause local inhomogeneity in the clutch facings, reducing the overall performance and reliability.

The production of Calcium Sulfate Whisker may have certain environmental impacts. The raw materials and production processes may involve the consumption of energy and the generation of waste. For example, the production process may emit sulfur – containing gases, which can contribute to air pollution if not properly treated. Additionally, the disposal of waste products from the production may also pose environmental challenges.

In summary, Calcium Sulfate Whisker offers distinct advantages in terms of strength, heat resistance, and friction – adjusting ability in clutch facings production. However, its high cost, dispersion difficulties, and environmental impact need to be carefully addressed. Manufacturers need to comprehensively evaluate these factors to decide whether and how to use Calcium Sulfate Whisker in clutch facings manufacturing.