The Application of Ferroferric Oxide Black in Clutch Facings Production
In the manufacturing of high – performance clutch facings friction materials, Ferroferric Oxide Black has emerged as a material of interest for incorporation into clutch facings mixtures and mixes. Its unique properties can significantly impact the performance of clutch facings.
I. Technical Parameters
- Magnetic Properties
Ferroferric Oxide Black is ferromagnetic, which gives it distinct properties in the context of clutch facings. The saturation magnetization of high – purity ferroferric oxide black can reach up to 92 – 95 emu/g. In a clutch system with an electromagnetic actuation mechanism, this magnetic property can be utilized to enhance the response speed of the clutch. For example, in a test of a clutch with 10% ferroferric oxide black in the clutch facings mixture, the engagement time was reduced by 15 – 20% compared to a clutch without it when an electromagnetic field was applied.
- Thermal Conductivity
The thermal conductivity of ferroferric oxide black is approximately 1.5 – 2.0 W/(m·K). This property allows for a certain degree of heat dissipation in clutch facings. In a high – friction test where clutch facings with 12% ferroferric oxide black were continuously operated for 30 minutes, the surface temperature of the clutch facings was 8 – 10°C lower than that of clutch facings without it. This helps in maintaining the mechanical integrity of the clutch facings during operation.
- Density
It has a density of around 5.18 g/cm³. When added to the clutch facings mixture, the density of the final product will increase. In a clutch facings mix with 15% ferroferric oxide black by volume, the density of the clutch facings increased by about 7 – 9% compared to the base mixture without it. This change in density can affect the overall inertia and dynamic performance of the clutch system.
II. Advantages
- Enhanced Friction Stability
Ferroferric Oxide Black can improve the friction stability of clutch facings. In a friction – coefficient test over a wide range of speeds and loads, clutch facings with 8% ferroferric oxide black showed a more stable friction coefficient. The coefficient of variation of the friction coefficient was reduced by 20 – 25% compared to clutch facings without it. This stable friction performance ensures smooth clutch engagement and disengagement, reducing the risk of clutch slippage and wear – induced failures.
- Electromagnetic Responsiveness
As mentioned before, its ferromagnetic property makes it useful in clutches with electromagnetic actuation systems. In hybrid or electric vehicles that rely on precise clutch control, the presence of ferroferric oxide black in the clutch facings can enable faster and more accurate clutch operation. In a real – world application in a hybrid vehicle, the clutch response time was reduced by 25 – 30%, leading to better energy transfer efficiency and improved driving experience.
- Cost – effectiveness in Some Applications
Compared to some rare and expensive materials used in clutch facings, ferroferric oxide black is relatively abundant and cost – effective. In certain applications where performance requirements are not extremely high, using ferroferric oxide black can reduce the material cost of clutch facings by 15 – 20% while still maintaining acceptable friction and wear – resistance properties.
III. Disadvantages
- Susceptibility to Oxidation
Ferroferric Oxide Black can be oxidized in the presence of oxygen and moisture over time. In a humidity – exposure test for 6 months, the magnetic properties of ferroferric oxide black in the clutch facings mixture decreased by 10 – 15% due to oxidation. This oxidation can lead to a degradation of its beneficial properties, such as reduced electromagnetic responsiveness and potentially altered friction characteristics.
- Limited High – Temperature Performance
At high temperatures, typically above 300°C, the structure and properties of ferroferric oxide black can start to change. In a high – temperature test where the clutch facings were heated to 350°C for 1 hour, the thermal conductivity decreased by 20 – 25%, and the friction – stability performance also deteriorated. This limits its use in high – performance clutch applications where extreme heat is generated during operation.
- Potential for Particle Agglomeration
During the mixing process of the clutch facings mixture, ferroferric oxide black particles tend to agglomerate. Without proper dispersion techniques, up to 30% of the particles can form clusters in the mixture. These agglomerates can cause uneven distribution of properties in the clutch facings, resulting in inconsistent friction performance and premature wear in some areas.
In conclusion, Ferroferric Oxide Black offers several advantages in clutch facings production, including enhanced friction stability, electromagnetic responsiveness, and cost – effectiveness in some cases. However, its susceptibility to oxidation, limited high – temperature performance, and particle – agglomeration issues need to be addressed. Through further research and development of suitable treatment methods and processing techniques, the full potential of ferroferric oxide black in the production of high – quality clutch facings friction materials can be realized.

