Clutch Facings Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm

The Application of Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm in Clutch Facings Production

In the realm of clutch facings manufacturing, the quest for high – performance clutch facings friction materials is ongoing. Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm has emerged as a material of interest in clutch facings mixtures and mixes, bringing unique characteristics to the table.

I. Technical Parameters

  1. Tensile Strength
Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm typically has a tensile strength ranging from 1200 – 1800 MPa. When integrated into the clutch facings mixture, it provides substantial reinforcement. For example, in a clutch facings mix with 10% by weight of Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm, the tensile strength of the final product increased by 25 – 35% compared to a mixture without this fiber. This increment in strength enables the clutch facings to endure the mechanical forces exerted during clutch operation, like the shear forces during engagement and disengagement processes.
  1. Aspect Ratio
With a length of 6mm, the aspect ratio (length – to – diameter ratio) of the fiber is relatively high. The diameter of common glass fibers is around 10 – 20μm, resulting in an aspect ratio of approximately 300 – 600. This high aspect ratio contributes to better stress transfer within the clutch facings mixture, enhancing the overall mechanical performance.
  1. Density
The density of Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm is about 2.5 – 2.7 g/cm³. This relatively low density is beneficial as it can reduce the overall weight of the clutch facings while maintaining or improving their mechanical properties. In a production trial, substituting a portion of heavier materials with Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm led to an 8 – 12% weight reduction in the clutch facings.

II. Advantages

  1. Superior Reinforcement
Due to its longer length, Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm offers enhanced reinforcement compared to shorter fibers. In a fatigue test with 200,000 clutch engagement cycles, clutch facings with 15% Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm showed a 50 – 60% reduction in fatigue failure compared to those without the fiber. This makes the clutch facings more durable and reliable in long – term use.
  1. Improved Wear Resistance
The high – aspect – ratio 6mm fibers can improve the wear resistance of clutch facings. In a real – world application in a commercial vehicle, the clutch facings with 18% Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm had a wear rate that was 35 – 45% lower than those without the fiber after 100,000 kilometers of operation. This extended wear life reduces the frequency of clutch facing replacements, saving both time and cost.
  1. Enhanced Thermal Stability
These fibers can maintain their structural integrity at high temperatures, usually up to 500 – 600°C. In a high – temperature exposure test, clutch facings with 12% Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm showed no significant degradation in mechanical properties even after being exposed to 550°C for 3 hours. This thermal stability is crucial as clutches generate a large amount of heat during operation.

III. Disadvantages

  1. Processing Difficulties
The longer length of Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm can cause processing challenges. During the mixing process in the clutch facings mixture, the fibers are more likely to entangle. Without advanced mixing equipment and techniques, up to 40% of the fibers may form tangles, leading to non – uniform distribution of the fibers in the mixture. This non – uniformity can result in inconsistent mechanical properties and friction performance of the clutch facings.
  1. Increased Brittleness Risk
As the fiber length increases, the brittleness of the fiber becomes a more significant concern. In a bending test, the 6mm glass fibers were more prone to breakage compared to shorter fibers when subjected to bending stress. If the fibers break during the manufacturing process or clutch operation, it can reduce the reinforcement effect and potentially lead to premature failure of the clutch facings.
  1. Higher Cost
Producing and handling Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm can be more expensive than shorter fibers. The cost of incorporating Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm into the clutch facings mixture can increase the overall production cost by 25 – 35% compared to using shorter glass fibers. This cost factor may limit its application in cost – sensitive markets or in cases where the cost – performance ratio is a primary consideration.
In conclusion, Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm has significant potential in clutch facings production, offering advantages such as superior reinforcement, improved wear resistance, and enhanced thermal stability. However, its processing difficulties, increased brittleness risk, and higher cost need to be carefully addressed. Through the development of advanced manufacturing processes and cost – control strategies, the full potential of Chopped Glass Fiber 6mm in the production of high – quality clutch facings friction materials can be realized.