Technology Upgrade Wave Hits Three Core Components Of Brake Pads, Enhancing Both Safety And Comfort

As consumers' demands for automotive safety and driving experience rise, breakthroughs have been made in the core technologies of brake pads. Domestic automakers and auto parts enterprises have launched material and process innovation solutions focusing on the friction layer, backplate, and shock-absorbing layer, addressing traditional pain points and driving the industry towards a transition to "high-quality experience".​

Friction Layer: Ceramic Composite Technology Solves "High-Temperature Failure"​

A leading domestic enterprise has launched a "high-performance ceramic composite friction layer", using modified phenolic resin as the binder. Its high-temperature resistance limit has been increased from 500℃ to 650℃. In 15 consecutive emergency braking tests, the fluctuation of the friction coefficient is ≤10% (vs. the industry average of 18%), solving the problem of "thermal fade". After adding 20% ultra-fine carbon fiber, its wear resistance has increased by 30%, extending the service life of brake pads for family cars to 80,000-100,000 kilometers and reducing dust emissions by 40%. Currently, it has been equipped in 12 vehicle models of 5 automakers, with a user satisfaction rate of 95.6%. Next, the enterprise will optimize the low-temperature braking performance for new energy vehicles.​

Backplate: Dual Anti-Corrosion Reduces Complaints​

A joint venture automaker, in collaboration with a steel enterprise, has developed a "cold-rolled high-strength anti-corrosion steel plate" for backplates, adopting a "hot-dip galvanizing + electrophoretic coating" process. The anti-rust duration has been extended from 500 hours to 1200 hours (equivalent to approximately 5 years of anti-rust protection). By adjusting the carbon content of the steel plate and optimizing the rolling process, the deformation resistance has increased by 20%, reducing braking noise. After the new vehicle models are equipped with this backplate, related after-sales complaints have decreased by 60%. The process will be promoted to all vehicle series and authorized for use by other enterprises.​

Shock-Absorbing Layer: Gradient Damping Eliminates "Brake Squeal"​

Universities and enterprises have jointly developed a "gradient damping shock-absorbing layer" with a double-layer structure: the outer layer is made of high-elastic rubber to absorb high-frequency vibrations, and the inner layer uses customized damping material to suppress low-frequency noise. Braking noise is reduced by 25-30 decibels (equivalent to the noise level change from a busy street to a quiet study). It has been authorized to 3 enterprises for production, is compatible with multiple vehicle models, and has been installed in over 500,000 sets. Next, materials dedicated to heavy-duty vehicles will be developed.​

Industry Trends and Purchase Recommendations​

Experts from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers point out that the industry is shifting from "low-price competition" to "quality competition". When purchasing brake pads, consumers can focus on the following: friction layers labeled "ceramic-based/composite", backplates marked with "galvanizing + electrophoretic coating", and packages indicating "gradient damping/mute design". Additionally, consumers should choose formal channels for purchase. Industry insiders predict that within 1-2 years, the market share of high-quality brake pads will increase from 45% to over 60%.