Non-asbestos brake pads can be broadly divided into the three types of NAO (non-asbestos organic) nonsteel, lowsteel and semimetallic. Potassium tinanate is used as a basic material for NAO and some lowsteel due to excellent performance with respect to heat resistance, heat insulation, wear resistance, stabilization of the friction coefficient, low abrasiveness to complementary member (low Mohs hardness), noise resistance and judder resistance.
In terms of the shape and size, Kubota's potassium titanate (TXAX) is different from the whisker (needle-like single crystal fiber) which is similar to asbestos, and has a plate-like shape formed from large diameter and elongated fibers due to a unique manufacturing method. Consequently it is an environmentally friendly material recognized by the US Environment Protection Agency (US-EPA).
Evaluation of material characteristics such as effect, fade, recovery and wear when used in an actual brake was performed using the 1/10 scale brake dynamometer owned by our company and provides basic performance data for feedback into material development and for offering on value to our customers.
Tribology analysis is important for the development of superior brake materials. A transfer film formed on the disc rotor surface and a friction flow layer (friction film) formed between the brake pad and the disc rotor have a large effect on friction characteristics. We are continuing to analyze these states for development of materials.
