Friction materials are substances that produce friction between solid surfaces in order to control and/or stop movement and inertia. They are commonly found in all kinds of vehicles; specifically brake pads, clutch discs and brake linings, to name a few.
Friction material manufacturing has become more complex, with countless techniques and tests implemented to explore materials’ properties before and after friction. Whenever you need friction performance, it’s important to find the right raw material to help achieve the best solution for your application requirements.
Friction materials consist of a broad range of grades and raw materials often applied in varying quantities. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common raw materials used in friction materials.
Raw Materials Used in Friction Materials
SnS – Tin (II) Sulfide
This chemical element contains tin and sulphur and naturally occurs as a rare mineral of herzenbergite. It’s used as a friction material to improve the friction level by creating an inter-friction layer which helps reduce disc and pad wear.
SnS2 – Tin (IV) Disulfide
Tin (IV) Disulfide is a chemical compound available in the natural form of a rare mineral of berndtite. As a friction raw material, tin disulphide helps balance the coefficient of friction, lowering the sensitivity of pressure and speed.
Bi2S3 – Bismuth Sulfide
Bismuth Sulfide is chemically produced from bismuth and sulphur and naturally occurs as a crystalline solid. It’s used in photo optic applications and works as a semiconductor. This compound contains friction-prevention properties of lubricating oils and is widely used as a solid lubricant.
FeS – Iron (II) Sulfide
Iron (II) Sulfide is widely recognised as a great solid lubricant due to its high melting point, low shear strength, and hexagonal structure. During friction, certain adsorption films form Fe-S elements with antifriction and antiwear properties through the tribochemical process.
ZnS – Zinc Sulfide
This is an inorganic compound naturally available as mineral sphalerite. It’s mixed with solid lubricants used as the friction material. This compound primarily carries sulphur, which strengthens rotor surfaces, reducing wear.
MoS2 – Molybdenum Disulfide
Molybdenum Disulfide is made from molybdenum and sulphur and is naturally available as the mineral molybdenite. Due to its reduced properties and friction, the compound is used in low-friction materials.
Cu2S – Dicopper Sulfide
This chemical compound is composed of copper and sulphur. Dicopper Sulfide film promotes antifriction performance by lowering the friction coefficients and scope of wear. It works with copper particles produced by oxygen and cuprous sulphide to separate the friction parts.
Sb2S3 – Antimony Trisulfide
Antimony Trisulfide is widely used in the friction industry. It serves as a lubricant to improve friction stability. It also helps transfer film friction of the friction materials to avoid direct contact and reduce wear.
Titanates: Fibre Free
Titanates are chemical compounds consisting of oxygen, titanium, and at least one extra metallic element. The three most common titanates are Potassium-Lithium, Potassium, and Potassium-Magnesium. These compounds are combined with other fillers, binders, friction modifiers, and fibres to provide friction properties in industrial applications.
Contact Bisley for Superior Friction Materials
At Bisley & Company, we supply a wide range of friction materials and lubricants, such as Lithium Hydroxide and Molybdenum Disulfide, for industrial applications. Contact us today for inquiries and place your order.