Abrasives and friction modifiers Archives

Case studies / Friction

The green alternative to the alumina industry

Roots from plants can absorb the ionic species of metals such as aluminium in acid soils

Al₂O₃ is a standard abrasive used in friction materials to increase the coefficient of friction and keep clean the rotor surface. It derives however in aluminium contamination when in service, aluminum oxide is released to the environment. Roots from plants can absorb the ionic species of metals such as aluminium in acid soils, which has a clear environmental impact, including the growth of these plants due to the bioaccumulation capacity of this element. Furthermore, there are also articles suggesting a possible connection between the increase of the concentration of Al³⁺ions in the environment due to human activity and some neurotoxic diseases in human beings

Ironically, the increase in the use of the “green” metal can bring massive disruption to the supply chain

It is considered like that, as among other reasons, it is a key material to reduce weight. However, China is the largest producer of aluminum and Alumina, and uses mainly coal for power. The worrying increase of smog and airborne particulate matter has forced China to boot on his “blue skies” politics, which will cut the production up to 30 %, due to its enormous environmental impact, which would derive in a massive disruption of the supply chain

Zirconium compounds are getting more and more applications as abrasives in friction industry and, despite their usual higher cost, do not present the previously commented hazards (data provided by Zircon Industry Association).

They can come from natural, like the zirconium silicate, or synthetic origin, like the zirconium oxide. Moreover, Zircon Industry Association (ZIA) reveals the lower environmental impact of zircon products in comparison with Al₂O₃

ecoZir - Zircomium silicate

Being a natural product, it is essential to control the origin of zirconium silicate to guarantee stable properties and results. Our ecoZir comes from partnership with reliable and established sources in the industry, allowing us to ensure very consistent particle size distribution and chemical composition.

T-TRACS - Zirconium oxide

Furthermore, we are able to offer also aeronautical quality zirconium oxide as we are official distributors of referential manufacturer TAM Ceramics for friction applications. T-TRACS monoclinic zirconia powders have been produced consistently for over 50 years by electrically fusion of zirconium silicate and subsequent dry-milling operation.

Ultra-fine grades

ULTRA-FINE grades (d50 below 0,9 microns) can be obtained by exclusive wet-milling process.

ecoZir

A wide range of zirconium silicate grades with a very stable particle size distribution and chemical…

T-TRACS

Aeronautical quality zirconia made in the usa TAM Ceramics milled monoclinic zirconia powders are electrically fused…