Effects of potassium titanate fiber on the wear of automotive brake linings

Asbestos reinforcing fiber in an automotive friction material was replaced by an experimental ingredient having better thermal stability and the effects on wear and friction were studied. A friction materials test machine (SAE J661a) was used to determine friction and wear, under constant energy output conditions, as a function of temperature between 121 and 343°C (250 and 650°F). When potassium titanate fiber replaced one-half of the asbestos in a standard commercial lining, with a 40% upward adjustment of phenolic resin content, wear above 204°C (400°F) was improved by 40% and friction by 30%. Tests on a full scale inertial dynamometer supported the findings of the sample dynamometer tests. It was demonstrated that the potassium titanate fiber contributes directly to the improvement in wear and friction.