The Science of Safe Braking: Leading the Friction Industry
Every time you press the brake pedal, you unleash a fascinating process of engineering and science. An act we often take for granted is, in reality, the culmination of decades of research in tribology, materials science, and chemistry. Braking is the fundamental principle that ensures our safety in motion: the controlled conversion of kinetic energy […]
Innovating in Battery Manufacturing: The Industrial Scaling of Iron Sulfide (FeS) Anodes
The future of energy storage is forged through strategic collaborations between technology centers and industry, capable of transforming materials science into tangible solutions. This is the case of the alliance between the CIDETEC technology center and RIMSA (part of Innovamat), whose most recent work builds upon the promising results obtained in the LION-HD project, from […]
Permanent sprayed linings for tunnels: Fiber-Reinforced Structural Design
Permanent sprayed linings reinforced with fibers are increasingly being adopted in tunnel construction and other underground works due to their efficiency compared to traditional reinforcement methods. These linings offer significant advantages in terms of safety, cost-effectiveness, and performance. Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) incorporates structural or non-structural fibers into the concrete matrix and is applied using a […]
What are Friction Modifiers and how do they improve the performance of components?
Friction modifiers are special additives incorporated into friction materials to fine-tune their tribological properties, specifically their friction coefficient, wear and NVH characteristics. They play a crucial role in achieving the desired balance between friction stability, noise reduction, and wear resistance in various applications like brake pads, clutch discs, and other friction-dependent components. Common types of […]
Types of Friction Materials and Their Applications
Friction materials are essential components in a wide range of industrial applications. But what do we mean when we talk about “friction” materials? Basically, these are materials designed to generate a controlled resistance force, known as friction, between surfaces in relative contact. This force is essential to control movement, transmit power and ensure safety in […]
Lithium Titanate (LTO) Batteries: Powering the future beyond the EV
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have revolutionized energy storage. The growing demand for energy storage systems over the last decades to power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles has dramatically changed the paradigm we were used to. But within the different kind of batteries that have been implemented, depending mainly on the specific application requirements and availability […]
Breaking the mold: copper-free friction materials with innovative oxides
Copper has long been a cornerstone of friction materials, especially in brake pads. Its excellent heat transfer properties and ability to form beneficial surface films during braking have made it a popular choice. For more than 10 years, growing environmental concerns associated with copper emissions from brake wear have been pushing the industry towards copper-free […]
Braking Green: The rise of natural products in friction materials
The automotive industry is accelerating towards a greener future, and brake pads are joining the ride. While traditional friction materials have relied heavily on synthetic components, there’s a growing trend towards incorporating natural products into their formulations. This shift not only reduces environmental impact but also unlocks unique performance benefits. Natural Powders: unlocking hidden potential […]
Fiber-reinforced concrete pavements: the invisible solution for light traffic
Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) has become a popular choice for light-traffic pavements. Thanks to the fibers, these pavements are stronger, more durable, and easier to construct. What benefits does FRC offer, and how can it help optimize the performance and lifespan of your paving projects? Types of fibers for light-traffic pavements There are different types of […]
Beyond moly: The future of EP additives for demanding applications
Extreme Pressure (EP) additives are the unsung heroes of industrial lubrication, especially when the going gets tough. These additives form a protective layer on metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear, which is essential for heavy-duty applications. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has long been the dominant choice for achieving EP performance. However, relying solely on MoS2 is […]