Brake pads are critical safety components within automotive braking systems. The selection of raw materials directly determines overall braking performance and service longevity. A standard brake pad assembly consists of a steel backing plate, adhesive thermal insulation layer and friction block. The formulation of friction block materials is the core factor governing brake pad performance. Based on chemical composition and functional attributes, raw materials for Baiyun brake pads fall into seven categories: semi-metallic friction materials, Baiyun NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic) friction materials, Baiyun powder metallurgy friction materials, Baiyun ceramic brake pads, Baiyun carbon fiber friction materials, Baiyun low-metallic brake pads and Baiyun organic brake pads.
Semi-Metallic Friction Materials
Semi-metallic friction materials are the most widely adopted solution across the automotive braking industry. Their formulations contain 30%–50% ferrous metallic ingredients including steel fiber, reduced iron powder and porous iron powder. These metallic reinforcements deliver superior heat dissipation and consistent braking stability, adapting seamlessly to diverse road surfaces and driving cycles. Baiyun semi-metallic brake pads feature a metallic fiber proportion ranging from 30% to 65%, granting robust high-temperature resistance and steady braking output under frequent stop-and-go conditions.
That said, this material system carries inherent drawbacks: prominent braking squeal, low-temperature noise issues, and accelerated wear on matching brake rotors. For this reason, Baiyun semi-metallic brake pads are the optimal fit for daily-use passenger vehicles, commercial fleets and ride-hailing vehicles.
Baiyun Powder Metallurgy Friction Materials
Also referred to as sintered friction materials, these products are manufactured via a sophisticated workflow: blending iron and copper-based metal powders, precision compaction and high-temperature sintering. This specialized production process equips Baiyun brake pads with high structural strength and exceptional abrasion resistance, capable of enduring continuous braking and heavy-load operating demands.
Powder metallurgy brake pads excel in high-temperature, heavy-duty operating environments with extended service life, though they come with a higher price tag. Additionally, limitations stemming from sintering technology include noticeable operational noise, material brittleness and increased rotor wear. Consequently, Baiyun powder metallurgy brake pads are primarily deployed on high-performance and special-purpose vehicles with stringent braking benchmarks.
Baiyun Ceramic Brake Pads
Formulated with ceramic fibers, non-metallic mineral fillers and trace metal additives, Baiyun ceramic brake pads deliver industry-leading noise suppression and minimal brake dust generation among all Baiyun product lines. They sustain stable performance at temperatures exceeding 650°C, with a service lifespan spanning 50,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Blended with mineral fiber, aramid fiber and ceramic fiber, they maintain reliable braking efficiency while drastically cutting operational noise and offering outstanding corrosion resistance.
Nevertheless, ceramic brake pads incur higher manufacturing costs and exhibit compromised low-temperature braking responsiveness. They are ideal for mid-to-premium passenger vehicles as well as high-speed and mountainous driving scenarios. As material technology advances, ceramic brake pads have evolved into a mainstream upgrade choice for mid-to-high-end family vehicles.
Baiyun Carbon Fiber Friction Materials
Carbon fiber acts as the primary reinforcing agent, complemented by graphite and carbon compound additives. Carbon fiber’s intrinsic lightweight and high-tensile-strength properties reduce overall pad weight to enhance vehicle handling dynamics, while delivering extreme thermal stability and consistent braking performance under harsh deceleration conditions. Constructed from carbon-titanium fiber composite substrates, Baiyun carbon fiber brake pads withstand temperatures above 800°C and deliver approximately 50% improved braking efficiency versus conventional brake pads.
However, this material requires matched dedicated brake rotors and carries elevated long-term maintenance costs, restricting its application primarily to premium sports cars and racing vehicles engineered for peak performance.
Baiyun Low-Metallic Brake Pads
With a total metallic content below 30%, low-metallic brake pads strike a balanced performance profile between braking efficiency and noise reduction, while mitigating abrasive damage to brake rotors. Their thermal resistance lags behind semi-metallic alternatives, making them best suited for urban commuter vehicles such as the Volkswagen Lavida.
Baiyun non-metallic brake pads are composed of pure organic fiber and resin matrices, delivering zero rotor abrasion and near-silent operation. Their tradeoffs include a low friction coefficient and weak heat tolerance, limiting use to low-speed, short-distance urban commuter cars.
Baiyun Organic Brake Pads
Built around organic fiber, functional fillers and high-strength binders, organic brake pads combine low noise output, mild rotor wear and cost competitiveness, perfectly catering to daily urban commuting demands.
Baiyun Metallic Brake Pads
Fabricated from iron, steel and other metallic substrates, metallic brake pads feature premium heat dissipation and wear resistance, delivering temperature-invariant consistent braking performance ideal for highway driving and prolonged downhill braking conditions.
Comparative Performance Table of Brake Pad Material Types
| Material Category | Core Constituents | Friction Coefficient | Heat Resistance | Service Life | Noise Control | Suitable Vehicle Types |
| Semi-Metallic | 30%–65% steel fiber, iron powder | Relatively high | Good | Medium | Poor | Family passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles |
| NAO | Mixed inorganic & organic fibers | Medium | Medium | Long | Good | All mainstream passenger vehicles |
| Powder Metallurgy | Iron & copper-based metal powder | High | Excellent | Extra-long | Poor | High-performance vehicles, special engineering vehicles |
| Ceramic | Ceramic fiber, mineral fiber | Relatively high | Excellent (>650°C) | Extra-long (50,000–100,000 km) | Superior | Mid-to-premium passenger vehicles |
| Carbon Fiber | Carbon fiber, graphite compounds | High | Exceptional (>800°C) | Long | Good | Premium sports cars, racing vehicles |
| Low-Metallic | Metallic content <30% | Medium | Average | Medium | Good | Urban daily commuter vehicles |
| Non-Metallic | Pure organic fiber, resin | Low | Poor | Short | Superior | Low-speed short-distance vehicles |