Document 0J2x35QzY3j0g9J6z5R1ydq3k

Once the friction material has been cured, the asbestos fibers are locked into the matrix. During brake operation, the high temperatures generated at the Interface convert more than 99.7 percent of the asbestos to non-flbrous residues (primarily olivine) In the wear debris,2 and less than 0.02 percent asbestos becomes airborne.* The conventional organic formulations and the processes by which they are made have been dependent upon and tailored to the physical and chemical proper ties of asbestos. Two courses of action are open for elimination of asbestos from automotive friction materials: 1. Develop a new generation of friction materials, designed from the start-without asbestos in mind. 2. Attempt to substitute an alternative fiber system for the asbestos In conventional formulations, with subsequent mod ification of composition and process techniques. Bendlx Is aggressively pursuing both courses of action. As Mr. William Agee, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has stated, Bendlx Is committed to being asbestos-free at the earliest possible date within this decade. SQUMETALLIC DISC FADS Properties In the 1960s, a new generation of friction materials, called semlmetalllc, was developed to meet severe braking requirements which organics could not meet. Class A organics (typical U.S. materials), which perform well In low and mod erate t-emperature duty, are prone to fade and exhibit compressibility and poor wear resistance at high temperatures. Class B organics (typical European and Japanese materials) provide good high-temperature wear and friction levels, but have poor low-temperature wear resistance, produce rotor scoring and/or wear, and are prone to being noisy. Semlmetallies were initially develed for these extreme, high-temperature applications.8 Semlmetalllcs rely on steel fiber and powder metallurgy techniques for re inforcement. Various property modifiers are added to enhance performance to desired levels, with a resin binder holding the materials In a uniform solid mass. Semlmetallics may contain metallic powder, sponge iron particles, ceramic powder, steel fiber, rubber particles, graphite powder, and phenolic resin.*7 Some manufacturers utilise a backing layer of a different composition which can contain asbestos. Problems Overcome Inherent In the uniqueness of the semlmetalllc formulations and their per formance properties were a number of significant problems which required reso lution. Concentrated development effort was required to resolve both proces sing and performance related issues. Processing Issues Included: the unifor mity of the raw materials mixtures, the ability to form and handle the inprocess material, and the ability to manufacture high-quality parts consistently.