The Application of Cellulose Fiber in Clutch Facings Production
In the manufacturing of clutch facings, the selection of appropriate clutch facings friction materials is crucial for achieving optimal clutch performance. Cellulose Fiber has gained attention as a significant component in clutch facings mixtures and mixes, bringing a distinct set of features to the table.
I. Technical Parameters of Cellulose Fiber in Clutch Facings
- Fiber Length
- Cellulose fibers used in clutch facings typically have a length ranging from 0.5 – 5 mm. This length range is carefully selected to ensure proper reinforcement and binding within the clutch facings mixture. For example, shorter fibers (around 0.5 – 1 mm) can provide better inter – particle bonding, while longer fibers (3 – 5 mm) offer enhanced mechanical strength in the composite structure.
- Density
- The density of cellulose fiber is relatively low, approximately 1.5 – 1.6 g/cm³. This low density is beneficial in clutch facings production as it helps to reduce the overall weight of the clutch facings. In a clutch facings mix, replacing a certain amount of traditional heavier components with cellulose fiber can lead to a weight reduction of about 8 – 12% in the final product.
II. Advantages
- Excellent Reinforcement
- Cellulose fiber can significantly improve the mechanical strength of clutch facings. In a clutch facings mixture with 10% cellulose fiber by mass, the tensile strength of the clutch facings can increase by 15 – 20% compared to a mix without it. This enhanced strength allows the clutch facings to better withstand the mechanical stresses during clutch operation, such as the shearing forces during engagement and disengagement. In a durability test of 50,000 clutch operation cycles, clutches with cellulose – fiber – containing facings showed a 20 – 30% reduction in the rate of material failure compared to those without it.
- Good Thermal Insulation
- Cellulose fiber has relatively low thermal conductivity, around 0.1 – 0.2 W/(m·K). This property is advantageous in clutch facings as it can act as a thermal insulator. During clutch operation, when heat is generated due to friction, the cellulose fiber in the clutch facings mix can help to limit the heat transfer to other components of the clutch system. In a high – temperature test, clutch facings with 15% cellulose fiber maintained a temperature 10 – 15°C lower on the non – friction side compared to those without it. This thermal insulation helps to protect the underlying clutch components from overheating and damage.
- Environmental Friendliness
- Cellulose fiber is a renewable and biodegradable material. Using cellulose fiber in clutch facings production aligns with the growing trend towards environmental sustainability. In contrast to some traditional synthetic fibers or inorganic materials used in clutch facings, cellulose fiber has a much lower environmental impact. In a life – cycle assessment, it was found that the use of cellulose fiber in clutch facings can reduce the overall carbon footprint by 25 – 35% compared to using non – renewable materials.
III. Disadvantages
- Moisture Sensitivity
- Cellulose fiber has a high affinity for moisture. In a humid environment (relative humidity above 70%), clutch facings with cellulose fiber can absorb moisture, which may lead to dimensional changes and a decrease in mechanical properties. For example, in a 3 – month exposure test in a high – humidity environment, the tensile strength of clutch facings with 12% cellulose fiber decreased by 10 – 15%. This moisture sensitivity can be a concern in applications where the clutch is exposed to wet conditions, such as in marine or off – road vehicles.
- Low Chemical Resistance
- Cellulose fiber is not highly resistant to certain chemicals. In contact with strong acids or alkalis, the fiber can degrade. In a chemical exposure test, when clutch facings with cellulose fiber were exposed to a 10% sulfuric acid solution for 24 hours, the fiber structure showed signs of significant degradation. This limited chemical resistance restricts the use of cellulose – fiber – containing clutch facings in environments where they may come into contact with corrosive chemicals.
- High – Temperature Degradation
- Cellulose fiber starts to degrade at relatively low temperatures, typically around 200 – 250°C. In high – performance clutch applications where the clutch facings may experience temperatures above this range during severe operation, the cellulose fiber can decompose, leading to a loss of its beneficial properties. In a high – temperature cycling test, when the clutch facings were repeatedly heated to 280°C, the reinforcement and thermal insulation effects of the cellulose fiber were reduced by 30 – 40% after 10 cycles.
In conclusion, Cellulose Fiber offers notable advantages in clutch facings production, including reinforcement, thermal insulation, and environmental friendliness. However, its moisture sensitivity, low chemical resistance, and high – temperature degradation issues need to be addressed. Manufacturers need to develop proper treatment methods and formulations to maximize the benefits of cellulose fiber while minimizing its drawbacks in the production of high – quality clutch facings friction materials.