5. New-generation fittings

Research into improving the characteristics of friction materials is driven by the three main sectors of activity: automotive, aviation and railroads.

New requirements arose, more specifically linked to the objectives of increasing speed, reducing weight and overall dimensions, introducing higher operating temperatures (800°C and even 1,000°C) for the rotor. In addition, research carried out at the end of the 70s was aimed at eliminating asbestos as a component of the seal. It proved difficult to combine all the balanced properties of asbestos in a single material: toughness, elasticity, thermal resistance, insulating capacity, coefficient of friction and wear resistance. What's more, we had to ensure that none of the new materials selected contained pathogenic agents (such as those blamed on asbestos).

Substitute materials must under no...