Abstract: The present invention provides a friction material having compatibility between a high effectiveness and a long life. For that purpose, a titanate compound and a cerium oxide are contained in the friction material, wherein the cerium oxide has an average particle size of 1 ?m or less.

Abstract: A friction material for brakes is formed by molding and hardening a raw material composition mainly containing a fibrous substrate, a friction adjuster, an organic filler, an inorganic filler and a binder in the form of a thermosetting resin. The friction material further contains aggregates of fine alumina particles, the aggregates having an average particle diameter of 30 to 60 ?m, and the alumina particles having a particle diameter of 0.2 to 0.9 ?m.

Abstract: A non-asbestos friction material containing a reinforcing fiber other than asbestos, organic fillers, friction adjusting ingredients, and a thermosetting resin for binding the reinforcing fiber, the organic fillers and the friction adjusting ingredients together. The friction adjusting ingredients contain magnesia in the form of aggregated particles which are an aggregate of minute particles. The use of magnesia in the form of aggregated particles reduces low-frequency noise and squeak while keeping the attack on the mating member low and keeping high the resistance to fading and the coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A friction material is so manufactured that a hygienic environment can be maintained while simultaneously reducing the brake noise without reducing the friction coefficient of the brake pads made of the present material. The friction material is granulated or agglomerated by a first binder which binds one or more inorganic substances having a plane netlike crystal structure into granules which are deformed so that the particles have a flat particle orientation in the resulting granules. The flat particle orientation is achieved by the application pressure and/or heat during the formation. The granules are then embedded in a second binder forming a fibrous matrix for forming the brake pad material. The inorganic substance or substances forming the particles having the plane netlike crystal structure, promote a microseparation in the friction surface in response to the application of a brake force. The microseparation effectively prevents brake noise.

Abstract: A friction material for making brake pads or brake disks is formed by mixing metallic fiber and/or aramid fibers as a main component, a filler material and a binder agent for binding the main component and the filler. The metallic fiber includes at least copper fibers and/or copper alloy fibers. The filler includes one or more inorganic substances having a plane netlike crystal structure. The inorganic substances having the plane netlike crystal structure include mica, talc, vermiculite, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, agalmatolite, kaolin, chlorite, sericite, iron hydroxide, and montmorillonite.