Abstract: A friction material includes a bio-soluble inorganic fiber and a metal sulfide. A content of the bio-soluble inorganic fiber based on the friction material is 7% by volume or more. The friction material includes no copper component and no metal fiber. The friction material may further include zinc.

Abstract: A friction material includes a bio-soluble inorganic fiber and a metal sulfide. A content of the bio-soluble inorganic fiber based on the friction material is 7% by volume or more. The friction material includes no copper component and no metal fiber. The friction material may further include zinc.

Abstract: A friction material containing dust having bismaleimidetriazine as a major ingredient. The dust is effective when contained in amount of 1 to 20 wt. % in the friction material. Compared with conventional friction material containing cashew dust, the generation rate of noise is reduced drastically, while the frictional performance is equivalent or higher.

Abstract: A process for producing a friction material under low-temperature conditions using, as a reinforcement, one or more fibers selected from a metal fiber, an organic fiber and an inorganic fiber and, as a binder, a compounded pitch that consists of a mesophase pitch and sulfur and/or an aromatic nitro compound. The content of an optically anisotropic phase in the mesophase pitch is at least 80% and the softening point of the mesophase pitch is not higher than 270.degree. C. The friction material produced exhibits consistent friction characteristics over a broad temperature range.

Abstract: Method of processing brake pads having a lining member mounted on a back plate is disclosed. An exposed surface of the lining member initially having a substantially planar configuration is heated to a warping temperature between substantially 300.degree. C. and substantially 800.degree. C. to be permanently warped the brake pad into a substantially concave configuration. Then the exposed surface of the lining member is ground into a substantially planar configuration, while maintaining the warped condition of the brake pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite friction material for brakes comprising a main friction material containing thermosetting resin as a binder, and a layer of high friction material with a higher friction coefficient than said main friction material for exhibiting a high braking power on initial application, which high friction layer is provided on the surface of said main friction material and contains a phenol resin of not more than 5 wt. %.