Friction materials containing tin oxides

Abstract

A friction material matrix, comprising: at least one tin oxide-containing material having a Mohs hardness level of about 6.5; and at least one binder system, the binder system physically or chemically binding the at least one tin oxide-containing material; wherein the friction material matrix is made without asbestos and the at least one tin oxide-containing material is present in an amount in the range of about 0.3 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the friction material matrix.

1 . A friction material matrix, comprising: 
 at least one tin oxide-containing material having a Mohs hardness level of about 6.5; and    at least one binder system, the binder system physically or chemically binding the at least one tin oxide-containing material;    wherein the friction material matrix is made without asbestos and the at least one tin oxide-containing material is present in an amount in the range of about 0.3 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the friction material matrix.    
   
   
       2 . The friction material matrix in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the at least one tin oxide-containing material is selected from the group consisting of stannous oxide, stannic oxide, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       3 . An automotive braking element, comprising: 
 a friction material matrix, comprising    at least one tin oxide-containing material having a Mohs hardness level of about 6.5; and    at least one binder system, the binder system physically or chemically binding the at least one tin oxide-containing material so as to form a friction material matrix;    wherein the friction material matrix is made without asbestos and the at least one tin oxide-containing material is present in an amount in the range of about 0.3 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the friction material matrix and the at least one tin oxide-containing material improves the performance behavior of a friction couple at an interface between the friction material matrix and the automotive braking element.