Intricacies of Carbon Ceramic Brakes

Carbon ceramic brakes (also called carbon ceramic discs) are manufactured from carbon fiber mixed with an epoxy binder and silicon. This mixture is poured into a steel mold. Vents are created in the disc by adding steel inserts radially around the boundary of the mold.

Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com

How are they created?

The production process of carbon ceramic brakes is complex and takes time and precision.

Silicon resin is mixed into carbon fiber; the mixture is put into molds and placed under a pressure of 20,000 kgs at about 200 degrees Celsius before cooling it. This mold is then heated again for two days at about 1000 degrees Celsius before more silicon powder is added. The mold is heated for a third time up to 1700 degrees Celsius for 24 hours under vacuum conditions. The raw materials get bound into a carbon silica mixture, increasing durability and longevity.

Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com

Advantages of carbon ceramic brakes

There are several reasons why the industry had been leaning towards carbon ceramic brakes:

• Unparalleled braking performance: The carbon ceramic brakes have a higher coefficient of friction which means they require less braking distance; they slow down at much shorter distances. This reduces the chances of any accidents or the car losing control.
• No brake fade: Since the material can withstand extremely high temperatures, the discs are resistant to brake fades. So, these stay the same even after repeated uses. Other traditional brakes wear out after repeated years of use.
• Better handling: The brakes are extremely lightweight. That ensures better handling of the vehicles. The un-sprung weight of the vehicle is reduced significantly, which makes driving smoother.
• Durability: These brakes are extremely durable and have higher longevity. They can handle a lot of pressure without wearing out. They have much higher longevity as opposed to traditional brakes.

Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com

Disadvantages of carbon-ceramic brakes

• Higher cost: One of the major downfalls of carbon-ceramic brakes is the increased cost for the drivers. Since they offer many advantages, the cost factor needs to be negotiated.
• The spongy feeling from the brakes: The brakes often feel spongy when applied. This generally happens during cold weather, but it works perfectly once the mixture gets heated up. The spongy feeling could be difficult to navigate for first-time users.
• Working during poor weather conditions: These brakes have been tested in cold weather conditions and haven't provided desirable results. In those cases, traditional brakes are much more useful and worth than carbon-ceramic brakes.

While carbon ceramic brakes have their share of challenges but they are undoubtedly becoming popular with automobile manufacturers across the world.