Car Brake Pads Friction Material
Passenger cars, navigating diverse urban and highway environments with varying braking frequencies, depend on the reliable performance of brake pads friction material to safeguard occupant safety—this material serves as the core medium for converting kinetic energy into thermal energy during deceleration. As automotive engineering advances toward electrification and lightweighting, the demands for car brake pads friction material in terms of low noise, low dust, and compatibility with regenerative braking systems have grown increasingly rigorous.
Material Classification and Adaptive Scenarios
Car brake pads friction material is classified by its constituent components, with each type optimized for specific vehicle usage profiles. Non-asbestos organic (NAO) material, the most prevalent in modern passenger cars, utilizes organic fibers, resins, and mineral fillers instead of asbestos. It delivers smooth braking feel, minimal noise, and low rotor wear, making it ideal for daily commuting vehicles, though it may exhibit slight fade under prolonged high-temperature braking.
Ceramic friction material, a premium variant, incorporates ceramic fibers and oxide fillers. Boasting exceptional thermal stability, low dust emission, and superior NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) performance, it is well-suited for high-performance cars and vehicles frequently operated in mountainous areas. Semi-metallic material, containing 20–40% metal particles, offers strong braking power and durability but tends to generate more noise and dust, limiting its application primarily to budget-friendly models or heavy-duty passenger vehicles like SUVs.
Core Performance Metrics and Testing Norms
Key Evaluation Indicators
Friction coefficient, the fundamental metric of braking efficiency, must maintain stability between 0.35 and 0.45 across a temperature range of -30℃ to 450℃ to prevent brake failure or inconsistent braking force. Wear rate, measured by the thickness loss of brake pads during cyclic braking tests, directly impacts service life—typical NAO or ceramic brake pads for passenger cars require a lifespan of 30,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Additionally, shear strength and heat fade resistance are critical; the former ensures the friction layer does not separate from the steel backing plate under stress, while the latter guarantees consistent performance during continuous braking.
Mainstream Testing Standards
Global standards regulate the quality of car brake pads friction material to ensure safety and reliability. ECE R90, a mandatory European standard, specifies rigorous tests including friction performance, wear resistance, and noise measurement under simulated driving conditions. In North America, FMVSS 135 establishes performance requirements for passenger car brake systems, with specific provisions for friction material's high-temperature stability. Manufacturers like Annat Brake Pads Friction Material often exceed these standards in their product development, optimizing formulations to meet regional regulatory demands and consumer expectations.
Manufacturing Technologies and Innovation Trends
The production of car brake pads friction material involves four core processes: formula compounding, mixing, hot pressing, and post-curing. Hot pressing, conducted at 150–170℃ and 15–25MPa, forms the friction material into the desired shape and bonds it to the backing plate. Post-curing, a critical step, is performed at 160–180℃ for 80–120 minutes to eliminate residual stresses and enhance material stability.
Recent innovations focus on adapting to the needs of electric vehicles (EVs). Since EVs are heavier and rely on regenerative braking, friction material must withstand intermittent high-temperature loads and maintain compatibility with regenerative systems. For example, modified resin matrices with nano-silica additives improve thermal conductivity and reduce brake fade. Environmental sustainability is another key trend; lead and copper, once common fillers, are being replaced with eco-friendly alternatives like natural cellulose fibers, aligning with global regulations on hazardous substance restriction. These advancements ensure that car brake pads friction material not only meets the safety requirements of traditional and electric vehicles but also aligns with sustainability goals, without compromissing performance or durability.