Abstract: This invention relates to processes for preparing novolak resins and using the same as reinforcing resins. One process comprises reacting one or more alkylphenols with an aldehyde in the presence of a base to form a resole resin, wherein for each mole of alkylphenol at least 1.5 moles of aldehyde are reacted; and reacting the resole resin with one or more phenolic compounds in the presence of an acidic catalyst to form a novolac resin, wherein for each mole of alkylphenol at least 1.5 moles of the phenolic compounds are reacted. Another process comprises reacting one or more alkylphenols with an aldehyde in the presence of a base to form a resole resin, and reacting the resole resin with one or more phenolic compounds under an elevated temperature to form a novolac resin.

Abstract: An improved method of producing a friction material for use in the production of brake pads. A first mixing step blends binder, fiber, and filler materials together in a mixer to create a pre-mix, with one of the materials doubling as a wetting agent promoting the homogeneity of the mixture. A second non-asbestos material is added to the pre-mix in the same mixer, and the two are mixed together to produce the final friction material.

Abstract: Sliding element for seals includes 25 to 75 weight % carbonaceous impalpable powdery aggregate of non-graphitizing carbon and/or graphitizing carbon and 20 to 50 weight % synthetic resin as binder. The sliding element is blended with the range of 5 to 25 weight % carbonaceous carbon fibers without surface treatment and inside the carbon matrix, the carbon fibers are randomly scattered.

Abstract: A functionally graded friction material 18 having improved wear resistance and thermal conductivity with fibers 10 and heat conducting elements 12 disposed in an arrangement that conducts heat away from a first surface 20 to a second surface 22. Preferably, the heat conducting elements 12 are copper, copper alloy, filaments, threads, or wire situated substantially perpendicular to the engaging surface and extending to the non-engaging surface 22.

Abstract: Process for a fiber-reinforced ceramic material whose reinforcing fibers are present in the form of at least one of woven fabrics, short fibers and long fibers, wherein the mass ratio of the fibers in the form of woven fabrics, short fibers and long fibers is 0-35:25-80:0-45 and at least a part of the reinforcing fibers has at least one protective layer of carbon produced by pyrolysis of resins or pitches, boron compounds or phosphorus compounds or combinations thereof which have been deposited thereon, a process for producing it and its use as material for brake linings

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a fiber-reinforced material which is composed, at least in a region of a surface layer, of a ceramic composite and has carbon-containing fibers reaction-bonded to a matrix containing the elements Si and C. In particular a method of producing fiber-reinforced silicon carbide is provided in which a structure of a matrix contains cracks and/or pores, at least at ambient temperature, because of a high thermal expansion coefficient compared with that of the fibers. Metals are selectively electrodeposited in the open pores and cracks of the matrix and, in particular, in a region of the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. As a result, the open pores and cracks are filled and, in addition, metallic top layers are optionally formed that are firmly keyed to the ceramic composite and that may serve as an interlayer for glass top layers or ceramic top layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shaped bodies made of fiber-reinforced ceramic composites and comprising a core zone and at least one covering layer which has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is higher than that of the core zone. The covering layer is an SiC-rich covering layer and is divided into segments which are separated from the adjacent segments by gaps or bridging zones of a material which is different from the material of the segments. The invention also relates to a process for producing such shaped bodies by infiltration of an intermediate body with molten silicon and their use for friction disks, in vehicle construction or as protective plates.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced ceramic composites contain bundles, tows or hanks of long fibers, wherein the long fiber bundles, tows or hanks are completely surrounded by a short fiber-reinforced matrix, with the long and short fibers having, independently of one another, a mean diameter of from 4 to 12 &mgr;m and the long fibers having a mean length of at least 50 mm and the short fibers having a mean length of not more than 40 mm, a process for producing them and their use for producing clutch disks or brake disks.

Abstract: A friction material comprises a fibrous reinforcement, a friction modifier and a binder. At least potassium hexatitanate fiber and potassium octatitanate fiber are used together as the fibrous reinforcement and mixed at a ratio in a range between 2 wt % and 40 wt % of the whole of the friction material as total amount. It is preferable that a mixing ratio of the potassium hexatitanate fiber to the potassium octatitanate fiber is in a range between 1:4 and 4:1 by weight percentage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a friction material for brake not containing materials including heavy metals such as Cu or antimony. The friction material contains a fibrous component, a binding component and a friction modifying component, wherein magnesium oxide (MgO) and graphite are contained in a friction material in the amount of 45 to 80 vol %, and volume ratio (MgO/graphite) of magnesium oxide (MgO) to graphite is 1/1 to 4/1.

Abstract: The addition of microspheres of barium titanate glass to conventional friction compositions for molding automotive and other brake elements and similar friction elements, results in substantial new and unexpected improvements with respect to the production of and processing of uniform, homogeneous molding compositions for forming the present friction elements. The formed friction pads, disks etc., have unexpectedly improved performance properties such as heat dissipation properties leading to improved, reduced wear over prolonged periods of use.

Abstract: A non-asbestos friction material is comprised of a molded and cured composition which includes a fibrous base, a binder, a filler, and particles of a rubber composite composed primarily of at least one fibrous substance and rubber, or of at least one fibrous substance, at least one type of hard particle and rubber. The rubber composite particles enable the fibrous substance to be uniformly dispersed and mixed without forming clumps and without segregation of the hard fibrous substance and the hard particles in the finished article. The qualities of each constituent can thus be used to full advantage to give friction materials such as automotive disk pads which have an excellent friction performance.