Materials Selection of Disc Brake Pads

Operation of Disc Brakes

                                                                                   

                                                        

•Brake pedal is depressed pushing fluid through the system

•A piston is then forced out

•Brake pads are forced together

•Friction between pads and rotor cause the car to slow down

Factors in Material Selection

Coefficient of friction

Heat fade

Thermal expansion

Hardness

Brake Pad Materials

Organic and Asbestos - health issues, softer composition, low heat fade resistance, small range of use

Semi-Metallic - 40% metal by content wt(steel wool,

iron,)hard surface, high frictionTowing, larger vehiclesLow heat concern, wears rotors fastestCeramicCeramic fibers, <15% metal by wt. Ct.High hardness, more advanced

technologyHigh heat operation, less heat fadeLong life