Synthetic Graphite has become an integral part in the production of clutch facings, playing a significant role within clutch facings friction materials. When incorporated into clutch facings mixture and clutch facings mixes, it brings about remarkable changes to the performance of clutch facings.

Typically, Synthetic Graphite accounts for 8% – 18% by weight in the clutch facings mixture. Its unique physical properties contribute to two main functions: optimizing friction characteristics and enhancing heat management.

Clutch facings with 12% Synthetic Graphite show outstanding friction coefficient consistency. In friction – coefficient tests under different speeds (ranging from 500 – 3000 RPM) and loads (from 50 – 200 N), the friction coefficient remains between 0.3 – 0.33, with a deviation of less than ±5%. In contrast, clutch facings without Synthetic Graphite have a friction coefficient that fluctuates by up to ±15% under the same conditions. This stable friction coefficient ensures smooth and reliable clutch operation, reducing the occurrence of sudden jerks during engagement and disengagement.

Under high – temperature conditions (up to 350°C), Synthetic Graphite – containing clutch facings maintain their friction performance well. The friction coefficient only drops by about 3% – 5%, while that of non – Synthetic Graphite clutch facings can decrease by 10% – 15%. This property is crucial for heavy – duty vehicles and high – performance engines, where the clutch is often exposed to extreme heat during operation.

Synthetic Graphite significantly improves the thermal conductivity of clutch facings. Clutch facings with 15% Synthetic Graphite have a thermal conductivity of 2 – 2.5 W/(m·K), which is 80% – 100% higher than those without it (thermal conductivity of 1 – 1.2 W/(m·K)). This allows for rapid heat dissipation during clutch operation. In a real – world simulation of a high – load driving scenario, the temperature of the clutch facings with Synthetic Graphite was 20 – 25°C lower than that of the non – Synthetic Graphite – containing ones. As a result, the lifespan of the clutch components is extended, and the risk of overheating – induced failures is reduced.

The addition of Synthetic Graphite reduces the wear rate of clutch facings. In a wear – test with 200,000 clutch engagement – disengagement cycles, the wear depth of clutch facings with Synthetic Graphite was 0.15 – 0.25 mm, while that of clutch facings without it was 0.3 – 0.4 mm. This means that clutch facings with Synthetic Graphite can last up to 50% longer, leading to lower maintenance costs and increased operational efficiency.

The production process of Synthetic Graphite is complex and energy – intensive, resulting in a relatively high cost. Incorporating Synthetic Graphite into clutch facings can increase the material cost by 25% – 35%. This cost increase may limit its application in some cost – sensitive markets or in the production of low – end clutch facings.

Synthetic Graphite has specific particle sizes and surface properties, which can pose challenges in the mixing process with other components in the clutch facings mixture. If not properly mixed, it can lead to non – uniform distribution in the clutch facings, resulting in inconsistent performance. For example, in a poorly – mixed batch, the friction coefficient of the clutch facings can vary by up to 10% across different areas of the facing surface.

In summary, Synthetic Graphite offers substantial advantages in improving the performance of clutch facings, such as enhanced friction properties, superior thermal conductivity, and reduced wear. However, its high cost and processing difficulties need to be carefully addressed. With further research and development in cost – reduction techniques and processing methods, Synthetic Graphite has the potential to revolutionize the clutch facings industry.