Huangshi City Friction Material Raw Material Association | Voice of Friction Materials, Issue 4, 2016, Pages 2-3

United for Warmth, Together for the Future

 

—— 2016 Sub-Association Work Summary

(Wang Yiting, October 28, 2016)

Since the sub-association held a symposium titled 'United for Warmth, Honest Meeting' on November 18, 2015, with over ten enterprises gathering at the multifunctional hall of the Daya Fishing Island Hotel, a year has passed. To summarize the past and look to the future, we present the following summary of our work over the past year for reference.

 

 

1. Achievements Over the Past Year

1. Strong Consensus, Establishing the Sub-Association
Our sub-association consists of over ten enterprises that produce raw materials for friction materials, with some having a production history of over 20 years and others over ten years. The personnel mainly come from the original Daya Non-Metallic Mineral Company and Daya Talc Mine, and have worked together to reach this point. Internally, we have not interacted, communicated, or developed together, while externally, we have undermined each other, engaged in price competition, and caused mutual harm.
In November 2015, under the advocacy of several like-minded and forward-looking colleagues, including the general manager of Wangping Company, Shi Daijia, we discussed whether nearby enterprises in Huangshi could unite. This quickly received a response and recognition from the vast majority of enterprises in the Huangshi area. After nearly three months of preparation, we finally came together and announced the establishment of the 'Huangshi City Enterprise Federation Friction Material Raw Material Sub-Association' on February 25, 2016, at the Haiguan Mountain Hotel.

 

2. United Participation in Industry Events

After the establishment of the sub-association, we reached a consensus to select the '18th China International Friction Sealing Material Technology Exchange and Product Exhibition' held in Nanjing from May 12 to 14, 2016, as our entry point to jointly participate in the industry event.
From November 18, 2015, to May 12, 2016, we held ten special meetings of the council to discuss the exhibition in Nanjing, deploying many concrete efforts to consolidate and promote the sub-association, such as: ① Unified exhibition attire; ② Unified sub-association introduction and special advertisement in the national industry conference publication; ③ Confirming the exhibition name as 'Huangshi City Enterprise Federation Friction Material Raw Material Sub-Association'; ④ Designing and confirming the sub-association logo; ⑤ Selecting two impactful and inspiring programs, 'Integrity' and 'Strong Partnership', for the industry event's banquet; ⑥ Unifying the exhibition background; ⑦ Implementing the exhibition activity plan; ⑧ Holding a send-off banquet; ⑨ Immediately after the exhibition, holding a summary meeting to accumulate experience and summarize shortcomings for future participation.

 

3. Rich Activities, Strengthening the Sub-Association.

Over the past year, the sub-association has held 13 council meetings and president office meetings, including the first symposium. In addition to analyzing industry conditions, studying sub-association work, and deploying implementation plans, we have also organized various activities to strengthen and solidify the sub-association, such as: ① Regularly holding president office and council meetings; ② Safety production lectures; ③ Inviting professors from Wuhan University of Technology to provide professional knowledge training; ④ Safety inspections of production and equipment in sub-association enterprises; ⑤ Planning for the 2017 industry conference; ⑥ Group visits to professional meetings in Kunshan, Nanjing, etc.; ⑦ Hiring sub-association consultants; ⑧ Discussion meetings for business collisions among sub-association enterprises in Zao Yang and Shandong regions; ⑨ Research projects; ⑩ Launching and publishing three issues of 'Voice of Friction Materials'.
Furthermore, our sub-association enterprises have been able to achieve basic information sharing, timely reporting, and sharing of results internally. For example: ① Jinpeng Company has frequently shared various mineral supply information in the sub-association WeChat group; ② Group visits to the Kunshan non-metallic professional meeting (with six enterprises participating); ③ Reporting on employee title application matters; ④ Information sharing on enterprise projects and new products; ⑤ Project application information and channel guidance; ⑥ Mutual learning, visiting, and exchanging experiences among enterprises; creating a good platform for information sharing and resource sharing among peers in the Huangshi area.

 

4. Leadership Support, Caring for the Sub-Association.

Over the past year, our sub-association has received care, support, and guidance from the Municipal Enterprise Federation, the Municipal Economic and Information Commission, the Municipal Industrial Association Office, and other departments and leaders from its establishment to operation. Our sub-association enterprises have participated in the annual meeting of the Enterprise Federation, the municipal '13th Five-Year' industrial development symposium, and entrepreneur salons. Many leaders have taken time out of their busy schedules to meet with guests from outside the city and professors from universities for industry-university-research cooperation, discussing the development and application of new products together. At the same time, leaders from the Municipal Economic and Information Commission and the Entrepreneur Association have helped our sub-association enterprises conduct research on large enterprises in the city, assisting them in solving practical difficulties.
The leaders of the China Friction Sealing Material Association have also shown great care for our sub-association, providing guidance during our establishment and sending congratulatory messages. At the national industry conference in Nanjing, Mr. Wang Yao, the chairman, encouraged our exhibiting enterprises with the leadership of the sub-association. In July of this year, during the flood season when water levels were high in the Huangshi area, the chairman and secretary-general of the China Friction Sealing Material Association called and sent messages from Beijing to express their condolences and guidance.
The support and care from leaders at all levels for our sub-association's work have greatly encouraged us.

 

2. Shortcomings in the Sub-Association's Work Over the Past Year

Although the sub-association has achieved some commendable results in its work over the past year, there are also some shortcomings, such as:
1. Some council members have insufficient participation and attention to the association. Before the establishment of the sub-association, we did not interact in work, operated independently in business, and acted in a disorganized manner. A single symposium brought us together, but we were unprepared, leading to some council members, including those at the vice-chairman level, being too busy with their own enterprises to spare time and energy to support the work of the sub-association.
2. Not many practical problems have been solved. Over the past year, we have gradually started working, getting to know each other, and actively collaborating. We have participated in activities such as joint exhibitions and conducted a work survey, but when it comes to specific practical work and difficult issues, there have not been many effective solutions or ideas to address the actual difficulties faced by sub-association enterprises.
3. Insufficient preparation work before meetings. Through observing and understanding the 13 work meetings over the past year, some council members did not prepare adequately before attending, resulting in them only listening to others speak during the meeting, unable to express their points effectively. The tasks assigned by the sub-association were not completed well, timely, or to the required quality.

 

 

 

---

 

Mineral raw materials for increasing resistance in friction materials.

The role and mechanism of action (Part II)

Meng Zengxiang, Cao Min, Wang Dong, Bai Zhimin

Abstract: The addition of friction-enhancing (friction-increasing) mineral raw materials significantly affects the friction coefficient, wear amount, thermal stability, and strength of friction materials. This paper systematically introduces the composition and physicochemical properties of more than ten types of friction-enhancing (friction-increasing) mineral (rock) raw materials, including barite, fluorite, cryolite, stibnite, hematite, magnetite, chromite, ilmenite, rutile, zircon, corundum, vermiculite, zeolite, and diatomite. It focuses on analyzing the impact of chemical composition and mineral (rock) characteristics on product performance and usage efficiency, discusses the role and mechanism of different mineral (rock) friction-enhancing components, and provides an outlook on the development and prospects of the friction-enhancing (friction-increasing) mineral raw material industry.

 

Keywords: friction materials; minerals; rocks; friction enhancement; fillers

 

Friction materials play roles in transmission, braking, deceleration, and parking in moving machinery and equipment, widely used in fields such as automobiles, trains, airplanes, mining, metallurgy, chemical industry, and electricity, with the automotive industry accounting for over 80% of consumption. Friction materials are typical composite materials, usually composed of bonding materials (rubber or resin), reinforcing materials (organic or inorganic fibers), and fillers (mainly mineral powders). Among them, mineral raw materials can serve both as reinforcements and fillers, and they have the largest proportion, significantly impacting the usage efficiency of friction materials, making them a key focus in the field of friction engineering. The types of minerals used as friction materials are diverse, with varying compositions and structures, and their physicochemical properties and functional effects differ. The mechanisms and forms of friction action are varied. A deep understanding of the mineral composition and structural characteristics, and establishing the relationship between composition-structure-performance-usage efficiency, is crucial for the design and processing of high-quality friction materials. Based on this, this paper attempts to start from the composition-structure analysis of typical mineral materials to clarify their impact on the processing technology, product performance, and usage efficiency of friction materials, providing theoretical basis and technical support for the composition design, processing, and development of new products in friction materials.

 

The role of mineral raw materials in friction materials can be divided into three categories: mineral reinforcing materials, mineral friction-enhancing (friction-increasing) materials, and mineral friction-reducing (friction-decreasing) materials. This paper mainly discusses the composition, structure, performance, role, and mechanism of commonly used mineral friction-enhancing (friction-increasing) materials, while mineral reinforcing materials and mineral friction-reducing (friction-decreasing) materials will be discussed in another paper.

 

1. Types and roles of friction-enhancing mineral raw materials

Mineral fillers in friction materials mainly adjust the friction coefficient, hardness, density, and compactness, while also improving the braking noise of the products, changing their appearance characteristics, and reducing costs. The types of mineral fillers used in friction materials are diverse, including silicate minerals such as quartz, feldspar, talc, mica, vermiculite, zircon, zeolite, and serpentine, as well as minerals like barite, hematite, magnetite, chromite, graphite, rutile, dolomite, gypsum, magnesite, corundum, fluorite, cryolite, antimony sulfide, and molybdenite. Additionally, some rock fillers are also used in friction materials, such as clay, diatomite, limestone, and bauxite.

 

In terms of friction performance, mineral fillers are generally divided into friction-enhancing (friction-increasing) fillers and friction-reducing (friction-decreasing) fillers. The former mostly has a higher friction coefficient, along with higher hardness (Mohs hardness of 3-9) and shear strength, mainly serving to increase the friction resistance and strength of the products. The latter generally has a lower friction coefficient, but also lower hardness and shear strength, mainly used to adjust the friction coefficient and wear rate of the products.

 

2. Barite

Barite is a sulfate mineral. Chemical formula: BaSO4. Theoretical composition (wB%): BaO 65.7, SO3 34.3. Crystals are usually plate-like or granular. Hardness is 3-3.5. It is brittle. Relative density is 4.3-4.5, making it the densest among inorganic non-metallic minerals. It has low wear properties and good shielding capabilities, able to absorb X-rays and γ-rays. Chemically stable, pure samples are difficult to dissolve in water and acid. Barite has very low mass loss and a lower thermal expansion rate at high temperatures, with a mass loss rate of only 0.5% in the temperature range of 500-1300℃, and a linear expansion coefficient of 20´10-6/℃.

 

As a friction material, barite has a relatively high and stable friction coefficient, low wear, and low friction noise; it can form a stable friction interface at high temperatures, preventing surface scratches on the friction pair and making the surface smoother.

 

In 2014, approximately 9.15 million tons of barite were produced globally, of which about 2.7% was used as mineral filler. China is a major producer of barite, accounting for about one-third of the global total production.

 

3. Fluorite and Cryolite

Fluorite and cryolite are both fluoride minerals. The solubility of cryolite in aqueous solution (25℃, 0.1MPa) is very low, only 10-34±0.3.

 

Although fluorite and cryolite have low hardness, they both exhibit good friction-enhancing effects as friction materials. In particular, cryolite shows significant phase transitions or melting endothermic reactions at 570℃, 730℃, and 990℃, playing a significant role in improving the high-temperature stability of products as a friction material. The melt of fluorite has a lower viscosity, which can bond with other particle fillers and also improve the high-temperature wear resistance of friction materials.

 

China is a major producer, consumer, and exporter of fluorite, with annual production (around 4 million tons), domestic consumption (around 6 million tons), and export volume all ranking first in the world.

 

4. Stibnite

Stibnite is a sulfide mineral. Chemical formula: Sb2S3. Theoretical composition (wB%): Sb 71.38, S 28.62. It has a chain structure, with ionic-metallic bonds between Sb and S, and molecular bonds between the chains. It has a low hardness of 2; density is 4.1-4.6g/cm3; melting point is 548℃, making it a low-melting-point metal sulfide. In a nitrogen atmosphere, stibnite decomposes into Sb and S above 850℃, while in an oxygen atmosphere, it transforms into Sb and SO2 (gas), and Sb quickly oxidizes to Sb2O3 (which can evaporate effectively) and SbO2.

 

2 Sb2S3 + 9 O2 = 2 Sb2O3 + 6 SO2 (gas) Equation (1)
Sb2O3 + 0.5 O2 = 2 SbO2 Equation (2)

In friction materials, molten Sb mainly acts as a binder, which can reduce the amount of organic binder used. Adding antimony sulfide to disc brake pads can reduce the amount of resin and the thermal degradation of the friction coefficient, resulting in low high-temperature wear rates, lower hardness, and reduced braking noise.

 

5. Hematite, Magnetite, Chromite, Ilmenite, and Rutile
Hematite, Magnetite, Chromite, Ilmenite, and Rutile are all oxide minerals with medium hardness. They enhance the friction performance of friction products, but their performance varies. Hematite has a high melting point and undergoes a reversible phase transition between α-Fe2O3 and γ-Fe2O3 around 680°C, accompanied by heat absorption, which helps maintain the high-temperature resistance of friction products. It is commonly used in heavy-duty vehicle drum brake pads with an addition of <5%. Magnetite can improve the friction performance of products and has coloring effects, commonly used in disc brake pads with an addition of 4%-12%. Chromite has good low and high-temperature friction enhancement effects. For chromite used in friction materials, the Cr2O3 content should be between 25% and 40%. The higher the Cr2O3 content, the better the friction enhancement effect; larger amounts and coarser particles lead to a higher friction coefficient but also increase wear, with an addition generally not exceeding 7%. Ilmenite and Rutile are also notable mineral fillers for friction enhancement. Rutile can improve the high-temperature adhesion resistance and wear resistance of friction products. Additionally, these minerals are widely distributed in nature, have mature beneficiation and purification processes, and are cost-effective, which are advantages for their use as friction materials.

 

6. Zircon and Corundum

Zircon is an island silicate mineral with a theoretical composition (wB%): ZrO2 67.1, SiO2 32.9. Zircon has a low linear thermal expansion coefficient (5.0×10-6/°C) and is resistant to thermal shock, with good stability. It has high compressive strength and is compatible with other fillers and organic or inorganic binders. Its round shape requires only a small amount of binder to achieve high-strength bonding and good smoothness. Studies have shown that the particle size and morphology of zircon significantly affect friction performance, with finer zircon particles having a higher friction coefficient than coarser ones; at high temperatures, coarser zircon exhibits better thermal shock resistance; and larger zircon particles have a higher wear rate against friction pairs than smaller ones.
Corundum is an oxide mineral. It not only has high hardness but also good wear resistance, with a grinding hardness of 833, which is 8.33 times that of quartz. Its flexural strength is very high, ranging from 34078 to 66636 MPa. The thermal expansion coefficient is 5.4×10-6 to 6.2×10-6/°C. It has good thermal conductivity, with a thermal conductivity of 41.84 W/m·K at room temperature, close to that of metallic materials. It has good insulation properties, with an electrical conductivity of 2.7×10-10 Ω-1·cm-1 at 500°C. Its chemical properties are stable, being insoluble in water at room temperature and resistant to acid and alkali corrosion.
Both zircon and corundum are hard fillers that can produce good friction enhancement effects with a small amount of addition, resulting in high friction coefficients and low braking noise.

 

7. Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a hydrous magnesium-aluminum silicate mineral with a layered structure. Its chemical formula is (Mg,Ca)0.3-0.45(H2O)n{(Mg,Fe3+,Al)3[(Si,Al)4O12](OH)2}. Hardness is 1-2; density: 2.2-2.86 g/cm3; expanded density 0.6-0.9 g/cm3; melting point 1320-1350°C; the thermal conductivity of expanded vermiculite is 0.046-0.07 W/(m·K). Expanded vermiculite is non-combustible. Its performance remains unchanged under high-temperature conditions of about 1000°C. It can withstand multiple freeze-thaw cycles without damage, with no significant decrease in strength. Expanded vermiculite maintains its volume density and strength at low temperatures of -30°C without any deformation. Its chemical properties are stable and it is insoluble in water. As a friction material, expanded vermiculite has excellent sound absorption properties, can reduce braking noise, and can lower the density of products, commonly used in the preparation of disc brake pads.
Research has found that adding vermiculite to automotive brake pads increases the friction coefficient with the amount of vermiculite added when the speed is between 20-40 km/h; in the speed range of 60-120 km/h, the friction coefficient increases with the amount of vermiculite added, showing a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. When adding 5%-10% (by weight) of vermiculite, the friction coefficient increases; when the amount of vermiculite exceeds 10 wt%, the friction coefficient decreases with increasing speed. As the amount of vermiculite increases, the wear rate first decreases and then increases. After speeds exceed 100 km/h, the wear rate changes significantly. When the amount of vermiculite is around 5 wt%, the friction coefficient is relatively stable, and the wear rate is also low.

 

8. Zeolite

Zeolite is a group of hydrous alkali or alkaline earth metal aluminum silicate minerals with a framework structure, with highly variable chemical compositions. Zeolites develop pore structures (with pore diameters around 0.7 nm), have a large specific surface area, and strong ion exchange capabilities. Hardness is 5-5.5; density is 1.9-2.86 g/cm3. They have good acid resistance, showing minimal lattice damage after 2 hours of action with strong acids at temperatures below 100°C. The pores of zeolite are filled with a large amount of molecular water, which escapes upon heating, but the structure remains intact and can reabsorb water. Adding zeolite to friction materials can effectively absorb gaseous or liquid water molecules released from resin thermal decomposition at high temperatures, as well as heat generated from friction and noise, significantly reducing thermal degradation and friction noise.

 

9. Diatomite

Diatomaceous earth is a biogenic siliceous sedimentary rock, mainly composed of diatom remains formed during geological evolution (Figure 2). Its chemical composition is primarily SiO2, but it is in an amorphous state. It usually appears white or grayish-white; with a density of 1.9-2.3g/cm3, it is lightweight; porous, with a porosity of 80% to 90%. Its hardness ranges from 1 to 1.5. Pure dry diatomaceous earth has a very low density, only 0.4 to 0.9g/cm3, allowing it to float on water. The softening temperature is between 1400 and 1650℃. It has strong adsorption capacity, able to absorb water equivalent to 1.5 to 4 times its own weight. The thermal conductivity at 200℃ and 800℃ is 0.0088 to 0.0158 W/(m·K) and 0.0277 to 0.219 W/(m·K), respectively. As a filler for friction materials, diatomaceous earth can effectively reduce friction noise and thermal degradation of products.

 

10. Discussion and Outlook

The mineral (rock) raw materials listed in this article for increasing friction (anti-friction) generally show the effects of increasing product friction resistance, reducing wear, and improving high-temperature friction performance and strength, but the roles played by different raw materials in improving product performance vary. For example, the phase change heat absorption characteristics of cryolite are significant, showing outstanding performance in enhancing product thermal stability; vermiculite, zeolite, and diatomaceous earth have prominent water absorption and heat absorption characteristics, which are effective in reducing braking noise; zircon and corundum have high hardness and melting points, showing clear advantages in improving product friction coefficients and high-temperature stability, and reducing wear rates; hematite, magnetite, chromite, ilmenite, and rutile have medium hardness and relatively high density, performing well in adjusting friction coefficients and improving product density and strength.

 

As a variety of minerals (rock) raw materials for increasing friction (anti-friction), in addition to the few key types introduced above, others include feldspar minerals, bauxite, limestone, dolomite, etc. Feldspar minerals are widely distributed in nature, come in various types, are inexpensive, have relatively high hardness (generally around 6, classified as hard fillers), and have a high friction coefficient (around 0.6, showing significant anti-friction effects), but the amount and particle size must be controlled reasonably; otherwise, the product may produce high braking noise. Bauxite, as an anti-friction raw material, generally contains a high amount of one-water hard bauxite and often requires calcination, resulting in products with high hardness, high shear strength, and high friction coefficients, but improper control of the amount and particle size can lead to excessive wear rates and high braking noise. The greatest advantage of limestone and dolomite as anti-friction raw materials is their low cost and wide availability.

 

Among the anti-friction (anti-friction) minerals currently in use, fluorite, cryolite, and stibnite exhibit good tribological performance under high-temperature industrial conditions, but they release gases such as Cl2 or SO2, which can cause environmental pollution when decomposed at high temperatures. In recent years, the friction field has been exploring more environmentally friendly materials that can replace these raw materials, but progress has not been very significant. Therefore, continuing to search for raw materials that are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and have good economic value for increasing friction (anti-friction) minerals is the direction for future development. The surface modification technology of anti-friction (anti-friction) mineral (rock) raw materials is key to improving their uniform dispersion in polymer matrices such as resins and rubbers and effectively bonding with matrix materials, and it is also a long-standing technical issue and key research direction in this field.

 

As our country gradually enters an automotive society and the degree of industrialization increases, the demand for high-performance anti-friction (anti-friction) mineral raw materials will gradually increase, and the requirements will become higher. This presents both opportunities and challenges for the mineral friction material processing industry. Therefore, it is recommended that this industry should pay close attention to the following three aspects: first, focus solely on improving the performance and effectiveness of traditional mineral anti-friction materials, accelerate the research and development of new technologies such as surface modification and precise control of particle size, and upgrade the technical support and equipment; second, deepen the analysis and research on the intrinsic relationship and comprehensive benefits of the composition-structure-performance-use effectiveness of mineral friction anti-friction materials, continuously explore new mineral anti-friction raw materials, and meet the diverse needs for new materials in the friction materials field to the greatest extent; third, actively develop new materials and processing technologies with comprehensive functionality, outstanding anti-friction effects, and environmental friendliness, truly achieving green development in this industry.

 

 

 

---

 

A Brief Discussion on How to Ensure Safety in Production

Yuan Xiuliang, Xinyi Company

 

In recent months, the company has experienced several safety production accidents, with some people injured by tools and others tripping and falling. Although these are minor accidents, the bloody lessons remind us that complacency is the greatest enemy of safety production. If we do not start from small matters and fail to solidify the foundation of safety work comprehensively, it is very likely to lead to more serious safety accidents.

 

After an accident occurs, the company should actively learn from the lessons and carefully identify and analyze the safety issues present in various positions. Focus on the small details, start from the subtle aspects, and carry out targeted safety activities based on actual work, emphasizing process management and supervision. Ensure that things that have not been done well are improved, unresolved issues are rectified, and unimplemented measures are put into effect, so that every activity actively involves employees. Only then can the concept of "safety production" truly take root in people's hearts and become a conscious behavioral norm for every employee.

 

In light of the current situation of the company, I believe that to ensure safety in production, the following eight aspects should be addressed.
1. Implement a safety production responsibility system. Based on the company's actual situation and different positions, a safety production responsibility system should be formulated and implemented for each position. Each department should decompose the company's assessment goals and sign responsibility agreements, ensuring that safety responsibilities are shared by everyone, with clear indicators for each individual. Employees should establish the mindset of "I want safety" and "I am responsible for my own safety," with strict assessments to ensure safety production.
2. Strengthen safety education. New employees must undergo safety education, and personnel transferring or returning to their positions must also receive safety education before they can start work.
3. Strengthen safety production inspection work. Responsible departments must conduct regular or irregular safety production inspections, and workshops and teams should carry out weekly or daily inspections. Operators must check equipment before starting machines, and production can only commence when equipment and electrical systems are in good condition. Any safety hazards identified during inspections must be rectified promptly.
4. Strengthen the management of labor protection supplies. The distribution of labor protection supplies should vary by job type, and the company must distribute supplies according to the standards. Employees must wear labor protection supplies while on duty.
5. Special operation personnel must undergo professional training and hold certificates after passing examinations before they can start work.
6. Key safety prevention areas for fire and electricity should have clear signs and warnings.
7. Establish and improve operating procedures for each position.
8. Establish and improve the company's safety production management ledger, strengthening basic management work. Everything should prioritize prevention.

 

Safety production is the premise for building a harmonious enterprise. Only by ensuring production safety can we achieve harmony in families and enterprises. "Be vigilant about safety, complacency leads to accidents." We must learn to be cautious in times of peace, remain vigilant at all times, and work together to create a harmonious enterprise.

 

 

 

---

 

A Brief Discussion on the Development Direction of the Friction Material Industry and Talent Reserve

Tang Hongwen, Duxin Company

In recent years, although our friction material industry in the Huangshi area has made some progress, there are still many practical problems. Most enterprises are stagnant in the research and development of new scientific and technological products, and there is still a significant gap compared to domestic peers. The technical content of products is low, making it difficult to occupy a position in the high-end market. Based on the actual situation of our industry, I would like to present the following insights for mutual encouragement.

1. Development Direction of Friction Materials: In response to the problems existing in our friction material industry and in combination with the actual situation of the industry, we should currently focus on accelerating the research and application of new friction materials. Materials, energy, and environmental protection are essential factors for the future of the friction industry. Friction materials have evolved from asbestos brakes to semi-metallic ceramic fibers, carbon fibers, and now to high-performance carbon fiber friction materials. Each breakthrough in friction materials is accompanied by the research and application of new materials.

 

Foreign countries not only emphasize the quality of friction materials but also require that products do not cause environmental pollution. The structure and use of friction materials must have low carbon emissions to the air and surrounding environment. As a result, traditional products will face fatal blows in future markets. According to predictions from authoritative domestic institutions, friction materials will accelerate the elimination of low-tech, high-pollution, high-energy consumption, high material consumption, and low-end manufacturing capacity enterprises. The industry will achieve a technological and academic production model, and the consumer class will also shift towards low-carbon transformation goals.

 

In summary, our industry is almost blank in the field of high-performance carbon fiber friction materials, and learning new technologies from both international and domestic sources is an urgent issue for our industry.

2. Talent Cultivation and Reserve in the Industry: The cultivation and reserve of talent are necessary for the sustainable development of the industry. Enterprises, universities, and research institutions should strengthen cooperation. This is something we are also exploring, continuing to enhance the cultivation and reserve of industry talent. Universities and enterprises, as well as research institutions and enterprises, should collaborate to organize friction material technology training courses. This allows enterprises to consult experts face-to-face with their problems, engage in interactive exchanges, and discuss, aiming for a forward-looking understanding of the leading technologies and hot topics of high-end products in the international and domestic friction material industry. Enterprises must also pay attention to talent, strive to improve employee benefits, and enhance the working environment to attract talent.

 

Signs indicate that the friction material industry will become increasingly widespread in future market applications, and the requirements for friction materials will become more standardized. Currently, our friction association should maintain a mindset of vigilance in times of peace, gradually improve traditional production concepts, and embrace the current and future market trends, striving for our common cause and shared goals.