NAO Brake Friction Material for Humidity-Resistant Corrosion Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-asbestos-organic (NAO) friction materials used in disc brake pads can cause seizure due to corrosion when used in disc brakes with electronic parking brake functions, especially under high humidity conditions.

Innovation Solution

The friction material composition includes 2-6 weight % of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts as pH adjusters, 1-7 weight % of fibrillated organic fibers, and specific additives such as zinc sulfide, porous inorganic particles, and magnesium potassium titanate to maintain rust inhibition and prevent corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If NAO friction material is used to reduce brake noise, then quietness and stillness in braking operation is improved, but seizure due to corrosion occurs when used in disc brakes with electronic parking brake function under high humidity conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake noiseVSAvoidseizure due to corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces water-repelling materials (silicone rubber, fluoropolymer) as intermediary substances that form protective films between the friction material and the disc rotor. These intermediary layers prevent direct contact between moisture and the friction material components, thereby eliminating the corrosion pathway while maintaining the low-noise characteristics of NAO friction material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a hydrophobic, water-repelling environment on the friction material surface through the addition of silicone rubber and fluoropolymer. This inert-like protective layer isolates the friction material from the corrosive humid environment, preventing rust formation on the disc rotor even when the parking brake is engaged for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If pH adjuster (alkali metal salt and/or alkaline earth metal salt) is added to inhibit rusting, then rust inhibition is improved, but the inhibition effect dramatically drops after prolonged exposure to high humidity state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverust inhibitionVSAvoidduration of rust inhibition effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates water-repelling materials (silicone rubber, fluoropolymer) into the friction material composition before use. These materials preliminarily establish a protective hydrophobic barrier that prevents moisture penetration, thereby preserving the effectiveness of pH adjusters (alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) over extended periods in humid conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite friction material system combining traditional NAO components (cellulosic fiber, organic binder, friction modifiers) with water-repelling additives (silicone rubber, fluoropolymer). This composite structure integrates the rust-inhibiting function of pH adjusters with the moisture-barrier function of water-repelling materials, achieving synergistic long-term corrosion protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If water-repelling material is added to form water-repelling film, then initial rust inhibition is improved, but the inhibition effect is limited to initial stage and sticking occurs after prolonged high humidity exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial rust inhibitionVSAvoidduration of rust inhibition effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two protective mechanisms into a unified friction material system: (1) water-repelling materials (silicone rubber, fluoropolymer) that form hydrophobic films to prevent moisture contact, and (2) pH adjusters (alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts) that provide chemical rust inhibition. This combination ensures both immediate and long-term protection against corrosion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the friction material by incorporating specific amounts of water-repelling materials (0.1-5 weight% silicone rubber, 0.1-5 weight% fluoropolymer) and pH adjusters (2-20 weight% alkali metal salt, 2-20 weight% alkaline earth metal salt). These parameter changes transform the friction material from a moisture-permeable structure to a moisture-resistant composite with sustained corrosion protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The friction material effectively prevents seizure due to corrosion and maintains rust inhibition even after prolonged exposure to high humidity, ensuring reliable brake performance.

Implementation Method 1

the friction material composition contains 2 - 20 weight % of an alkali metal salt and/or an alkaline earth metal salt as a pH adjuster relative to the total amount of the friction material composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH adjustment:

Implementation Method 2

the friction material composition contains 0 - 5 weight % of a water-repelling component relative to the total amount of the friction material composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater-repelling: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP3327099B1Friction material
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 NISSHINBO BRAKE INC

AI summary

[Object] To provide a friction material, which is manufactured by forming a non-asbestos-organic (NAO) friction material composition, used for a disc brake assembled in such as a passenger car, which does not degrade the inhibitory effect of rusting and prevents seizure due to corrosion even if the automotive while the parking brake in operation is left under a high humidity state for a long period of time. [Means to Resolve] A friction material, which is manufactured by forming the NAO friction material composition including a binder, a fiber base material, a friction modifier, a lubricant, a pH adjuster, and a filler, where the friction material composition contains 2 - 6 weight % of alkali metal salt and/or alkaline earth metal salt as the pH adjuster relative to the total amount of the friction material composition, 1 - 7 weight % of fibrillated organic fiber as the fiber base material relative to the total amount of the friction material composition, and 0 - 0.5 weight % of water-repelling component relative to the total amount of the friction material composition.