Composites as friction materials: Recent developments in non-asbestos fiber reinforced friction materials—a review

Replacement of conventional asbestos based friction materials has been called for because of bans on the use of asbestos. Research in this direction in the last decade has led to the development of more efficient asbestos-free friction materials for automobiles. Fiber reinforced polymers show great promise for applications in modern vehicles. This review article focuses on the recent developments in the application of composites as friction materials. The first part of the article contains brief information about brakes, their action, brake materials, their desired properties, etc. The second part deals with the recent developments in non-asbestos fiber reinforced friction materials.