On the other, an urgent need for sustainability, driven by legislation targeting non-exhaust emissions and a growing environmental consciousness, is forcing us to rethink the fundamentals of our formulations. The phase-out of copper and ambitious decarbonization goals are not just trends—they are the new standard.
In this complex scenario, innovation is not about finding a simple substitute, but about developing multifunctional solutions that elevate performance while drastically reducing the carbon footprint. Since our beginnings in 1985, we at RIMSA have embraced the circular economy. Today, that philosophy culminates in our zer0 project and its flagship product: r0-vein, an additive destined to change the rules of the game.
To appreciate the magnitude of this innovation, we must go back to basics. The performance of a brake pad lies not in its individual components, but in the friction layer that dynamically forms at the pad-disc interface. This layer, known in tribology as the “third body” or tribofilm, is structured in two levels:
This is where r0-vein represents a paradigm shift. The solution isn’t a new, exotic element, but a radical rethinking of a material that has always been at the heart of the braking process: iron oxide. In this case, morphology is the innovation. We’ve engineered a familiar substance into a new form, and that form changes everything. Instead of relying on a material that merely assists in forming the friction layer, we have designed an additive that is itself a structural analog of that layer.
The unique flake morphology of r0-vein, designed to act as a “pre-fabricated plateau”.
r0-vein is a second-life material composed of iron oxides with a unique flake morphology. These flakes, when integrated into the formulation, act as “pre-fabricated plateaus.” Their function is twofold and highly effective:
Classic friction mechanism. r0-vein optimizes this process by acting as a fundamental anchor for wear debris.
The theory is elegant, but the data is compelling. Exhaustive tests show that r0-vein is not just an inert filler, but a high-performance functional additive.
In NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic) formulations, the simple removal of copper leads to an unstable friction profile and runaway wear at high temperatures. However, when replacing copper with r0-vein on an equal volume basis:
Wear comparison in NAO formulas: r0-vein (green) shows superior durability compared to the copper-containing formula (blue) and the copper-free version (gray).
In Low-Met formulations, r0-vein demonstrates its versatility by being able to replace steel fiber. The results are remarkable:
In Low-Steel formulas, replacing steel fiber with r0-vein (gray and green bars) drastically reduces wear at high temperatures.
The true power of r0-vein lies in its multifunctionality. It not only solves the copper problem but opens new avenues for formulation optimization. A powerful synergistic effect has been demonstrated when combined with other additives, such as sulfides, allowing formulators unprecedented control to fine-tune the balance between the coefficient of friction, wear resistance, and NVH behavior.
All of this is achieved with a product born from the circular economy. r0-vein, as part of the rimsa zer0 project, has an exceptionally low carbon footprint, enabling manufacturers to meet demanding OEM decarbonization targets without sacrificing an ounce of performance.
r0-vein is not just another raw material. It is a tribological engineering solution. It is the answer to our industry’s greatest challenges: a multifunctional additive that enables the creation of the next generation of high-performance, low-emission braking systems with sustainability in their DNA.
It’s time to stop looking for substitutes and start designing with intelligent solutions.
Want to be part of the revolution in friction technology? Contact our team of experts at friction@rimsa.com and discover how r0-vein can transform your formulations.
