Complete guide to friction materials in brake pads

Understanding friction materials in brake pads is essential to selecting the right compound for your vehicle and driving style. Let’s take a detailed look at the most common types, how SDT adapts them, and in which situations each fits best.

Organic, semi-metallic, ceramic, and sintered materials

Organic Materials

Made with fibers, resins, petroleum, Kevlar, rubber, or carbon, organic pads are quiet, gentle on surfaces, and economical. They perform well in urban driving but have lower heat resistance and higher wear.

Semi-metallic

Contain between 30% and 70% metals such as steel, copper, or iron, mixed with resin. They stand out for their thermal resistance, durability, and high friction, though they may produce more noise or dust.

Ceramic

Dense and inert composites with ceramic fibers and fine metallic particles. They provide smooth braking, low noise and dust levels, and stable performance at moderate temperatures. They are more expensive and not designed for extreme use.

Sintered (Metalized)

Made exclusively with pressed metals: extremely durable and resistant to high temperatures. Used in competitions or off-road applications. They can be aggressive on disks and noisier.