MetalOx

MetaloxZn is a high-purity synthetic zinc oxide (ZnO). It serves a dual primary function:

• Vulcanization Activator: It acts as an essential catalyst in the cross-linking of elastomers (rubbers) and the phenolic resin during curing, ensuring a complete polymerization that improves the matrix's mechanical properties and thermal stability.
• Mild Abrasive: With a hardness of 4-5 on the Mohs scale, it functions as a mild abrasive that conditions the disc surface, promoting the formation of a stable tribofilm for a consistent coefficient of friction.

Due to its synthetic production process, MetaloxZn intrinsically features a single, fine and controlled particle size grade. This morphology results in a high specific surface area, which enhances its efficiency as a curing activator and ensures its abrasive action is gentle and homogeneous—a key factor for NVH control and the formation of a stable tribofilm.

It is ideal for:

• Formulations with rubber content (elastomers) where its role as an activator is paramount.
• High-comfort NAO applications, where fine control of NVH and stable tribofilm formation are sought.
• Any formulation intended for markets with strict regulations on heavy metals.

MetaloxMg is a high-purity synthetic magnesium oxide (MgO, periclase). Its key functions are:

• Medium Abrasive and Friction Stabilizer: With a hardness of 5.5-6 Mohs, it is a more effective abrasive than ZnO. Its main role is to aggressively clean the disc surface and maintain a high and stable coefficient of friction (µ), especially at high temperatures.
• Tribochemistry Modifier: At high temperatures, MgO can react at the interface to form thermally stable compounds (e.g., magnesium silicates) that constitute highly wear-resistant primary plateaus, helping to combat brake fade.

Standard MgO (calcined or mineral-origin) can contain impurities like CaO, SiO₂, or Fe₂O₃, which introduce variability in hardness and reactivity. The high purity and consistency of MetaloxMg ensure predictable abrasive performance and controlled tribochemical interaction, which is crucial for high-performance formulations.

It is the preferred choice for:

• Semi-Metallic and Low-Steel formulations operating at high temperatures and energy levels.
• Applications requiring a high and stable coefficient of friction ("higher bite").
• Commercial vehicle or high-performance brakes where resistance to fading and high-temperature wear is critical.

The choice depends on the formulator's primary objective:

• Choose MetaloxZn (ZnO) if your priority is to optimize the curing process and enhance the properties of the polymer matrix, with a secondary benefit of mild abrasion and good NVH control. It is the "chemist" of the formulation.
• Choose MetaloxMg (MgO) if your priority is to control the friction level and high-temperature stability through mechanical and tribochemical action at the interface. It is the "mechanic" of the formulation.

Both products can be used together to achieve a balance of properties, leveraging the catalytic function of ZnO and the abrasive/stabilizing power of MgO.