The Application of Titanates – Potassium Magnesium in Clutch Facings Production
In the manufacturing of clutch facings, Titanates – Potassium Magnesium has emerged as a significant component within clutch facings friction materials. When integrated into clutch facings mixture and clutch facings mixes, it brings about distinct changes to the performance and characteristics of the final clutch facings products.
I. Function in Clutch Facings Production
Titanates – Potassium Magnesium is typically added to the clutch facings mixture at a proportion of 5% – 15% by weight. Its unique chemical and physical properties endow it with multiple functions in the production process. Firstly, it acts as a reinforcement agent, enhancing the mechanical strength of the clutch facings. Secondly, it can improve the thermal stability and friction – related properties of the clutch facings friction materials.
II. Advantages
A. Enhanced Mechanical Strength
- Tensile Strength Improvement
Clutch facings with 10% Titanates – Potassium Magnesium content show a remarkable increase in tensile strength. In a tensile – strength test, the tensile strength of these clutch facings reached 15 – 18 MPa, which is approximately 30% – 40% higher than that of clutch facings without this additive (usually 10 – 12 MPa). This increased strength enables the clutch facings to withstand higher mechanical stresses during the clutch’s engagement and disengagement processes, reducing the risk of breakage or deformation.
- Wear Resistance Enhancement
The addition of Titanates – Potassium Magnesium also significantly improves the wear resistance of clutch facings. In a wear – test conducted over 150,000 clutch engagement – disengagement cycles, the wear depth of clutch facings with Titanates – Potassium Magnesium was only 0.2 – 0.3 mm, while that of non – additive – containing clutch facings was 0.4 – 0.5 mm. This enhanced wear resistance prolongs the service life of the clutch facings, reducing the frequency of replacement and maintenance costs.
B. Superior Thermal Stability
- High – Temperature Resistance
Titanates – Potassium Magnesium – containing clutch facings can withstand higher temperatures without significant degradation. In a heat – resistance test, these clutch facings maintained their structural integrity and performance even when exposed to temperatures up to 450°C. In contrast, clutch facings without this additive started to show signs of decomposition and reduced friction performance at around 350°C. This high – temperature resistance is crucial for applications where the clutch is subjected to intense heat during operation, such as in heavy – duty trucks or high – performance engines.
- Thermal Expansion Control
It also helps in controlling the thermal expansion of clutch facings. The coefficient of thermal expansion of clutch facings with Titanates – Potassium Magnesium is reduced by about 20% – 30% compared to those without it. This reduction in thermal expansion minimizes the risk of thermal stress – induced cracks and ensures better dimensional stability during temperature fluctuations.
C. Optimized Friction Performance
- Friction Coefficient Stability
Clutch facings with Titanates – Potassium Magnesium exhibit excellent friction coefficient stability. In friction – coefficient tests under various speeds (ranging from 300 – 2500 RPM) and loads (from 30 – 180 N), the friction coefficient remained within a narrow range of 0.25 – 0.28, with a deviation of less than ±3%. This stable friction coefficient ensures smooth and consistent clutch operation, providing a more comfortable driving experience.
III. Disadvantages
A. Cost – Intensive
- High Material Cost
The production and extraction of Titanates – Potassium Magnesium involve complex chemical processes and the use of rare raw materials, resulting in a relatively high cost. Incorporating this additive into clutch facings can increase the material cost by 30% – 40% compared to clutch facings without it. This high cost may limit its widespread use, especially in price – sensitive markets or in the production of budget – friendly clutch facings.
B. Potential Compatibility Issues
- Mixing and Reactivity Concerns
Titanates – Potassium Magnesium may have compatibility issues when mixed with other components in the clutch facings mixture. In some cases, improper mixing can lead to non – uniform distribution, affecting the overall performance of the clutch facings. Additionally, it may react with certain organic binders or fillers in the mixture, causing unexpected changes in the chemical and physical properties of the clutch facings. 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 conclusion, Titanates – Potassium Magnesium offers significant advantages in improving the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and friction performance of clutch facings. However, its high cost and potential compatibility issues need to be carefully addressed. With further research and development in cost – reduction and compatibility – improvement techniques, Titanates – Potassium Magnesium has the potential to play an even more prominent role in the clutch facings industry.

