Friction products and gaskets

Chrysotile plays an important role in friction materials. It is used in the automobile industry, agricultural machinery and lifting machinery (cranes, bridge-cranes, elevators).

Chrysotile fibre is the ideal friction product to add to the composition of brake linings and clutch disks. It is resistant to high temperatures, corrosion and acids.

In addition, brake linings made with chrysotile maintain their coefficient of friction regardless of temperature, maintain their dimensional stability, and resist wear without damaging metal components (drums or disks). A brake without chrysotile is not as safe as one with chrysotile.

Chrysotile can also be used in military vehicles, ships, airplanes and rockets. In rockets chrysotile fibre reinforces propulsion gas discharge spouts, and is used in thermal shields.

The chrysotile used in brakes saves lives!

Note : The few fibres torn from the brake lining matrix during braking are converted to forsterite due to the high temperature reached at the brake surface. Forsterite dust is completely harmless when inhaled.

Note : For additional information consult the document : "Environmental and occupational health hazards associated with the presence of asbestos in brake linings and pads (1900 to present): A "State-of-the-art" review by Dennis J. Paustenback, Brent L. Finley, Elizabeth T. Lu, Gregory P. Brorby, Patrick J. Sheehan, published in the "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental health, part B, 7:33-110, 2004".