In the automobile braking system, brake pads, as key components, directly affect driving safety and braking performance. With the advancement of materials science, the materials of brake pads are constantly upgraded to meet the needs of different driving scenarios. At present, the mainstream brake pad materials on the market can be divided into four categories: asbestos-based, semi-metallic, ceramic and organic composite materials.
Asbestos-based brake pads were once widely used materials in the early days, and were favored because of their low cost and stable friction coefficient. However, asbestos fibers are harmful to human health, and long-term inhalation may cause diseases such as lung cancer, so they have been banned in most countries around the world. Despite this, understanding its history still helps to understand the evolution of brake pad materials.
Semi-metallic brake pads are currently one of the most widely used ones, mainly composed of steel fibers, copper powder and other fillers. This type of material has excellent heat dissipation performance and is suitable for high-performance vehicles and frequent braking scenarios. Its disadvantage is that it may generate noise during braking and cause greater wear on the brake disc. Semi-metallic brake pads are cost-effective, so they still occupy an important position in commercial vehicles and some passenger cars.
Ceramic brake pads have gradually become the first choice for high-end models in recent years. Its main components include ceramic fiber, mineral fiber and a small amount of metal, which are characterized by high temperature resistance, low noise and low dust. The friction coefficient of ceramic material is stable, which causes less damage to the brake disc and prolongs the service life of the brake system. However, its manufacturing cost is high and its price is relatively expensive. It is mostly used in luxury cars or vehicles with high requirements for braking quietness.
Organic composite brake pads are an environmentally friendly choice, mainly made of non-metallic materials such as rubber, resin and fiber. This type of brake pad has low noise and less dust during braking, which is friendly to the environment, but its high temperature resistance is weak, which is suitable for low-intensity braking scenarios such as urban commuting. With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the research and development and application of organic brake pads are gradually expanding.
Brake pads of different materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. Consumers can choose suitable products according to driving habits, vehicle types and usage environments. In the future, with the breakthrough of new material technology, the performance of brake pads will be further improved, providing more reliable protection for driving safety.
