What Is a Friction Material?
Friction materials are engineered to manage the frictional forces that occur between contacting, moving surfaces. Their key functions include minimizing friction to enhance smoothness and maximizing grip to improve stability. Commonly used friction materials encompass metals, polymers, ceramics, among others, with applications ranging from brake pads and tire treads to lubricants.
Metal-based friction materials are known for their high temperature resistance and durability, though they tend to wear faster. Polymer-based materials, while more flexible and wear-resistant, may not perform as well under high temperatures. Ceramics offer excellent heat resistance but can be brittle, posing a risk of cracking under continuous friction.