Performance Testing of Truck Brakes Reinforced with KEVLAR Aramid Fiber

During the 1970's, industry was urgently searching for alternatives to asbestos. The potential value of KEVLAR* aramid fiber was recognized but the cost barrier, 50 to 100 times as expensive as asbestos, seemed insurmountable for applications in friction materials. However, the development of a special engineered form, a short fiber with attached fine sub-fibrils, led to the use of KEVLAR pulp as a primary reinforcement in friction applications worldwide.

This paper will discuss independent field testing of commercially available heavy-duty truck brakes reinforced with KEVLAR and compare them in friction block wear and drum abrasion with brake blocks reinforced with asbestos and with glass fiber. Results of this controlled test series will be compared with actual user experience on a worldwide basis.