In the development of high – performance clutch facings friction materials, CNSL Friction Dust has emerged as a material with unique properties that can contribute to the composition of clutch facings mixtures and mixes. This substance, derived from cashew nut shell liquid, brings a set of characteristics that are both beneficial and have certain limitations when applied to clutch facings production.

CNSL Friction Dust can help adjust the friction coefficient of clutch facings. When added to the clutch facings mixture at a proportion of 10% by mass, it can increase the static friction coefficient by about 0.1 – 0.2. In a friction – coefficient test, the base clutch facings without CNSL Friction Dust had a static friction coefficient of 0.3, while the clutch facings with the added dust reached a static friction coefficient of 0.4 – 0.5. This increase in the friction coefficient is crucial for ensuring reliable clutch engagement and disengagement.

It shows good thermal stability up to approximately 250 – 300°C. In a thermal – endurance test, clutch facings with 15% CNSL Friction Dust maintained their mechanical and frictional properties without significant degradation when exposed to temperatures up to 280°C for 30 minutes. However, above this temperature range, the decomposition of CNSL Friction Dust may start to occur, affecting the performance of the clutch facings.

The particle size of CNSL Friction Dust typically ranges from 10 – 100 μm. Smaller particles in the range of 10 – 30 μm can provide better adhesion within the clutch facings mixture, while larger particles (50 – 100 μm) can contribute to the formation of a more porous structure, which may affect the friction and wear characteristics. In a mix with a uniform particle – size distribution, the performance of the clutch facings can be more consistent.

As mentioned, the addition of CNSL Friction Dust can effectively improve the friction performance of clutch facings. In heavy – duty vehicle applications, where high – torque transfer is required, the increased friction coefficient provided by CNSL Friction Dust ensures that the clutch can transmit the necessary power without slipping. A real – world test in a large – capacity truck showed that the clutch facings with 12% CNSL Friction Dust could handle 20% more torque during engagement compared to the standard clutch facings.

CNSL Friction Dust can enhance the wear resistance of clutch facings. In a wear – test conducted for 80,000 clutch engagement cycles, the wear rate of clutch facings with 18% CNSL Friction Dust was reduced by 25 – 30% compared to those without it. This improved wear resistance extends the service life of the clutch facings, reducing the frequency of replacement and maintenance costs.

Since CNSL Friction Dust is derived from cashew nut shell liquid, it is a renewable material. Using it in clutch facings production aligns with the global trend towards environmental sustainability. In a life – cycle assessment, it was found that the use of CNSL Friction Dust in clutch facings can reduce the overall carbon footprint by 15 – 20% compared to using some non – renewable friction materials.

Although CNSL Friction Dust has good thermal stability up to a certain temperature, its performance deteriorates at higher temperatures. When the clutch facings reach temperatures above 300°C, the decomposition of CNSL Friction Dust can lead to a decrease in the friction coefficient. In a high – temperature test, when the temperature was raised to 350°C, the friction coefficient of the clutch facings with 10% CNSL Friction Dust decreased by 30 – 40% within 10 minutes. This limitation restricts its use in high – performance applications where extreme heat is generated.

During the manufacturing process and under high – temperature conditions during clutch operation, CNSL Friction Dust may emit an unpleasant odor and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In a laboratory – based emission test, the VOC emissions from clutch facings with 15% CNSL Friction Dust were 1.5 – 2 times higher than those from facings without it. These emissions not only cause discomfort but may also pose environmental and health concerns.

Due to its irregular particle shape and surface properties, CNSL Friction Dust can be difficult to mix uniformly in the clutch facings mixture. Without proper mixing techniques, up to 20% of the dust may form agglomerates in the mix. These non – uniform distributions can result in inconsistent friction performance across the clutch facings, leading to premature wear and reduced overall performance.

In conclusion, CNSL Friction Dust offers several advantages in clutch facings production, such as enhanced friction performance, good wear resistance, and being a renewable material. However, its limited high – temperature performance, odor and volatile emissions, and difficulties in uniform mixing need to be addressed. Through further research and the development of advanced processing techniques, the potential of CNSL Friction Dust in the production of high – quality clutch facings friction materials can be better exploited.