Carbon Ceramic Brakes

MEEN 3344

Marion Alexander

How are the Brakes Made?• First, carbon fibers are blended with a resin containing carbon and silicon. • The compound is then pressed into a mold to create the basic disc shape,

including its internal cooling vents.• Next, using carefully controlled heat (up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit), the

resin in the disc is converted to silicon carbide, a material nearly as hard as diamond. This is the "ceramic" in "carbon ceramic."

• Finally, the center section of the brake rotor — typically made of stainless steel or aluminum — is pinned or bolted to the ceramic composite disc.

How Do They Look?

• The fashion for spoke wheels means that more of a car's braking system is now visible. But if it is damp, steel discs can quickly show signs of rust, especially if a car has not been driven--even for as little as a day. Many owners moan long and hard on internet user groups about rusty discs. Carbon-ceramic brakes don't rust. They also look more like steel than iron. Carbon Ceramic Brakes are 50 percent lighter than traditional disc brakes.

Are they Expensive?

• The process used to produce the discs for CCB is complex and time-consuming — and therefore costly.

• Because they are costly, they are only available on high-end exotic supercars, all Ferraris (as of 2009) and Sport Utility Vehicles.

• Carbon ceramic discs replacement cost is extremely expensive for front and rear but is down from their original price when first introduced.

• Carbon ceramic pads cost about $1,500 extra for (front and rear) over normal pads.

Advantages of Having Carbon Ceramic Brakes

• Ceramic composite rotors are extremely durable. In fact, manufacturers claim that they'll never need replacement — at least with "normal" driving.

• They're resistant to warping. • The pads and rotors are both made of carbon ceramic compound.• There is no brake dust.• They stop in significantly less time and distance than traditional disc

brakes.• They reduce the weight of vehicles upwards of 40 lbs.• The reduction in weight also yields a slight improvement in fuel economy.• Because weight is reduced, it also allows for better overall control and

handling as well as improved ride comfort.• Unlike conventional brakes, CCB’s are designed for outstanding

performance at very high temperatures.• The single greatest benefit of CCBs, however, is their resistance to brake

fade.

Reference Page

• Wolf, Peter, J. “Carbon Ceramic Brakes” Better Braking Through Chemistry.2009. Edmunds Inc. 3 October 2009. http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/techcenter/articles/130013/article.html

• Mavrigian, Mike. Carley, Larry. Brake Systems: OEM & Racing Brake Technology. New York: The Berkeley Publishing Group, 1998.

• Okada, Akira. “Ceramic technologies for automotive industry: Current status and perspectives.” Technical Journals on Carbon Ceramic Brakes 11.1 (2008: 1-7.