Friction Materials
While braking technology has evolved over the years the principle of braking has remained the same: applying friction between a moving part (the disc)
and a static part (the brake-pad)
and hereby converting kinetic energy into heat.
The brake pad is made from a proprietary combination of materials that cause the friction.
There have been significant changes in the formulations of friction materials for the brake lining systems of automobiles towards better performance and extended durability.
Sibelco offers a variety of mineral fillers to realise better performance (improved friction) and extended durability (thermal stability and thermal conductivity). These minerals are available in different particle size distributions.
| Material Name | Main Function | Other Functions | Typical amount in % | Notes |
| Mineral fillers, typically quartz or synthetic silicates | Abrasive | Fillers are used as an abrasive to boost friction. | 5-35% | Mineral fillers are unlikely to be found in metallic pads. |
| Metal Oxides, typically aluminum oxide and iron oxide | Abrasive | An abrasive that boosts friction, but also a filler/binder in a metallic or semi-metallic pad. | 0-70% | It’s likely that all brake pads have a small percentage of metal oxides, even “organic” pads. |
| Barium Sulphate (Barytes) | Filler | Very common filler material. | 0-35% | Inert material, high heat stability. |
| Calcium fluoride (CaF2) | Filler | High thermal properties | 0-10% | Noise reduction and increased density |
