This article highlights how phenolic resins have stood the test of time in their use as binders for friction materials in domestic and commercial vehicle braking equipment. As binders for brake pads and brake shoes, phenolic resins combine processability and strong adhesive properties with high temperature resistance to provide cost-effective solutions for the automotive sector. Despite the emergence of some high-performance alternative braking solutions in the interim period, this article describes why phenolic-bound systems remain the solution of choice for the mass market.
European Phenolic Resins Association