Brake Pad Friction Material Type

The friction material in brake pads is an important component of cars, motorcycles and other means of transportation. Choosing the right friction material is of great significance. It also determines the performance and service life of the brake pads and ensures safety during operation.

Organic brake pads

Organic brake pads do not contain metal components and are usually made of soft materials, generally composed of fibers, rubber, resins, mineral fillers, etc., so they are very gentle on the brake discs and cause very little wear during use. These brake pads make the brake pedal feel softer or "cushioned", so that you can have a smoother braking experience when driving. They are relatively affordable.However, because the material of organic brake pads is softer, they wear faster and need to be replaced more frequently. In addition, the material of organic brake pads may leave black brake dust on the wheels and rims during use, especially on the front wheels. This type of organic brake disc is used in the brake systems of light cars and economy vehicles, and is not suitable for high-performance or heavy vehicles.

Semi-metallic brake pads

Semi-metallic brake pads have been the mainstream choice in the brake pad industry for many years, and they strike a good balance between providing superior braking performance and long service life.

These brake pads contain about 30%-50% metal content, which makes them provide stronger braking ability while also having greater friction on the brake disc, which may accelerate the wear of the brake disc. However, the longer service life and stronger braking effect make up for this disadvantage overall.

Semi-metallic brake pads can provide a stable and controlled feedback to the brake pedal. Although they wear relatively slowly, they still leave brake dust on the wheels.

These brake pads are generally more expensive than organic brake pads and are widely used in medium and high-performance vehicles, heavy vehicles, and vehicles with high loads (such as trucks, SUVs, etc.).

All-metal brake pads

All-metal brake pads are mainly composed of metal components, such as aluminum, copper, iron, etc. Metal friction materials provide stronger braking force during friction and are often used in highly loaded brake systems. Mainly used in high-performance applications or heavy trucks, these brake pads have a higher metal content, so they wear the brake disc more severely. All-metal brake pads are noisy, especially when the brake system is cold.

These brake pads have very strong braking capabilities and are designed for extreme environments to provide stable braking at high temperatures. Brake pads can only work properly when they are hot enough, so they need to reach a higher temperature during the braking process. If the brake pads are not hot enough, the braking effect may be affected. All-metal brake pads are generally more expensive than organic and semi-metallic brake pads.

Ceramic brake pads

Ceramic brake pads have been used in many passenger cars and trucks. They are made of a material similar to a ceramic baking tray or bowl, so ceramic brake pads are quieter, last longer, and have less friction on the brake rotor than other brake pads.

Ceramic brake pads also have lower brake dust generation, so they don't leave dirt on your wheels like other types of brake pads. While ceramic brake pads are more expensive, they are well suited for higher-end models and provide a quieter, more durable ride.

You can learn more about NFJ Friction materials here!