ecoZir

ecoZir is a high-purity zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄), produced in Spain. In friction material formulations, it acts as a mild or moderate abrasive. Its primary function is to stabilize the coefficient of friction (µ) across a wide temperature range. It achieves this through a controlled cleaning action on the disc surface, removing unstable tribofilms and promoting the formation of contact "plateaus," which are essential for smooth and consistent braking.

The key difference lies in the control of the production process and the intrinsic quality of the product:

• Local and Controlled Production: ecoZir is produced in Spain using dry milling This method, combined with rigorous quality control, ensures exceptional homogeneity and stability in particle size distribution (PSD) and chemical purity.
• Guaranteed Quality from the Start: Unlike other sources, ecoZir's processing ensures consistency even in the coarsest grades. This eliminates the presence of anomalous oversized particles that could cause disc scoring and noise (NVH) issues.
• Reliable Performance: The lot-to-lot consistency of ecoZir translates into predictable tribological performance, allowing formulators to achieve their friction and comfort targets more efficiently.

The choice of particle size allows for precise adjustment of the brake pad's properties:

• Coarse Grades (e.g., 200 mesh): Provide a greater cleaning capacity and help to slightly increase the friction level. They act effectively as primary "plateaus," providing stable and robust contact points.
• Fine Grades (e.g., 325 mesh, -400 mesh): Offer a gentler abrasive action, ideal for high-comfort NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic) formulations. They contribute to a smoother "pedal feel," lower disc wear, and less propensity for noise, facilitating the formation of a thin, stable tribofilm.

As a mild abrasive, ecoZir is used in higher dosages than hard abrasives, typically in a range of 3% to 10% by weight. It is a very versatile component and can be found in virtually all types of formulations:

• NAO Formulations: It is an almost fundamental ingredient, where its ability to stabilize friction without increasing aggressiveness is key to meeting low noise and low wear requirements.
• Low-Steel and Semi-Metallic Formulations: It is used to moderate the aggressiveness of steel fibers and other hard abrasives, helping to control disc wear and stabilize the coefficient of friction at high temperatures.

Yes. Its ceramic nature provides other valuable properties:

• High Thermal Stability: Zirconium silicate is extremely stable at high temperatures (melting point >2500°C), so it does not decompose or react chemically during the most demanding braking events.
• Matrix Reinforcement: At the dosages used, ecoZir particles act as an inorganic reinforcement (filler), increasing the hot compression resistance and the structural integrity of the pad's surface at high temperatures.