Abstract: Friction block or layer made of an asbestos free friction material, the friction material including, as composing materials thereof, inorganic and/or organic and/or metallic fibers, at least a binder, at least a friction modifier or lubricant and at least a filler or abrasive, wherein the asbestos free friction material also contains, as an additional composing material or additive, an hydrophobic wax, preferably present from 0.5% to 5% in volume, the asbestos free friction material block or layer possessing a hydrophobicity, defined as the time of absorption within the friction material of a liquid drop formed by 20+/?5 ?L of distilled water, of more than 60 minutes, so that the force to detach the friction block or layer from a metallic surface to which it has been made to stitch electrochemically is lower than 15 Nw.

Abstract: An asbestos-free organic friction material, in particular for producing brake pads and shoes for vehicles made up of a composition or mixture having a fibrous base, a filler, an organic binder and optional metal oxides. The composition is completely free of copper and copper compounds or alloys and includes in the fibrous base, together with inorganic and/or organic fibers, from 1% to 10% by volume, calculated relative to the total volume of the composition, of stainless steel fibers. The friction material further includes between 1% and 25% by volume of a system of fibrous oxides consisting of potassium hexatitanate and zirconia.

Abstract: Asbestos-free organic friction material, in particular for producing brake pads and shoes for vehicles made up of a composition or mixture having a fibrous base, a filler, and an organic binder. The composition is completely free of copper and copper compounds or alloys and includes in the fibrous base, together with inorganic and/or organic fibers, from 1% to 10% by volume, calculated relative to the total volume of the composition, of stainless steel fibers.

Abstract: Asbestos-free organic friction material, in particular for producing brake pads and shoes for vehicles made up of a composition or mixture having a fibrous base, a filler, and an organic binder. The composition is completely free of copper and copper compounds or alloys and includes in the fibrous base, together with inorganic and/or organic fibers, from 1% to 10% by volume, calculated relative to the total volume of the composition, of stainless steel fibers.