Development of a Rubber Coated Mineral Fiber for Disc Pad Applications

The objective of the described work was to develop a new type of mineral fiber that gives improved properties in disc pad applications. The main improvements that were targeted for are wear resistance, structural properties and friction stability. The method of working was first to develop several unique types of fiber by coating them with different types of binder i.e. phenolic resin or rubber. These developmental materials were then screened for bonding strength with phenolic resin by testing them on mechanical properties in a composite material, consisting of mineral fiber and phenolic resin. After preselection through this test method, the best types are tested in two different model disc pad formulations on frictional properties and wear resistance and compared with current state-of-the-art mineral fiber products. From these results, which will be incorporated in the appendices of the article, the conclusion can be drawn that rubber coated mineral fiber as well as resin coated mineral fiber give improved structural properties, higher wear resistance and better friction stability in disc pad materials.