A friction block or layer made of an
asbestos-free friction material, the friction material comprising inorganic and / or organic and / or
metal fibers, at least a binder, at least a
friction modifier or
lubricant, and at least a filler or
abrasive as constituent materials, wherein the
asbestos-free friction material further comprises a hydrophobic
wax as an additional constituent material or additive, the hydrophobic
wax preferably being present in 0.5% to 5% by volume, the
asbestos-free friction material block or layer being hydrophobic, the hydrophobicity being defined as the
absorption time of droplets formed from 20 + / - 5 pL of
distilled water within the friction material being greater than 60 minutes, such that the force required to separate the friction block or layer from a
metal surface to which it has been electrochemically bonded is less than 15 Nw.