What Are the Main Formulation Types and Applications of Truck Disc Brake Pads?

May 11, 2026

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Friction materials for truck disc brake pads in China are primarily classified into two types based on performance requirements and application scenarios.


Semi-Metallic Formulation‌
The composition consists of 30%–50% ferrous metals (e.g., steel fibers, reduced iron powder), supplemented by 10%–20% copper powder, graphite, 10%–20% phenolic resin, 5%–7% aramid fiber, and fillers such as barite and mica.

Advantages: Excellent thermal conductivity, high-temperature resistance, superior wear resistance, and outstanding impact tolerance.

Typical Applications: High-load, frequent-braking conditions.




What Are the Main Formulation Types and Applications of Truck Disc Brake Pads?cid=4

 (BPA011-RL, a Hot-selling brake pads for trucks, compatible with Renault Trucks, from TruckPartsFirst.com)


Ceramic-Based Formulation

The material is composed of a matrix of ceramic fibers, aramid fibers, and organic resins, with minor additions of copper powder and mineral fillers such as diatomite and mica. The total metal content is typically below 15%.

Advantages: Exceptional thermal stability, with performance retained at 650°C; quiet braking; reduction of brake dust by over 80%; and up to 20%–30% longer brake disc life compared to semi-metallic formulations.

Typical Applications: ‌Medium-to-high load conditions requiring low noise and minimal dust‌.

 

Important Note: Ceramic-based formulations are not suitable for heavy-duty engineering trucks because their friction performance may deteriorate under sustained extreme loads.

Using truck brake pads in the following ways is incorrect.

 (BPA009-MN, a High-demand brake pads for trucks, compatible with MAN Trucks, from TruckPartsFirst.com)


TruckPartsFirst’s truck disc brake pads are primarily formulated with semi-metallic materials, incorporating ceramic fibers and other friction components to ensure effective performance across diverse logistics environments. These include long-haul freight trucks, heavy-duty trucks in mountainous regions, urban logistics vehicles, mining dump trucks, engineering tractors, and high-end medium- and light-duty commercial vehicles.

The friction coefficient of our products ranges from ‌0.40 to 0.45. They are designed to meet the technical requirements of China’s CCC certification and the EU E-Mark certification. 


 


What Are the Main Formulation Types and Applications of Truck Disc Brake Pads?cid=4

 (BPA001-VL, a High-demand brake pads for trucks, compatible with Volvo Trucks, from TruckPartsFirst.com)


Appendix:

Who are the world-renowned brands for truck brake pads? The following is a partial list of brand names (in no particular order):

 

FERODO‌

Known as the "father of brake pads," this company has a history spanning over a century and serves as a technical benchmark in the field of friction materials. Its products not only supply original equipment to many leading automobile manufacturers but also perform exceptionally well in the commercial vehicle sector, earning recognition for their responsive braking and high stability.


TEXTAR‌

A German brand that has specialized in friction materials for over a century, it is an original equipment supplier for passenger car brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen. Its products feature a wide range of formulations and are also extensively used in commercial vehicles, including Volvo Trucks, MAN, Scania, Renault, DAF, IVECO, and others.


BREMBO‌

An expert in high-performance braking systems from Italy. Although Brembo is renowned for its racing and high-end sports car industries, its advanced braking technology and high-temperature resistance also make it an ideal choice for certain high-end or high-performance trucks.


TRW‌

A global leader in automotive safety systems, the company’s braking products serve mainstream passenger cars and commercial vehicles, enjoying strong sales and a solid reputation in the market.


REMSA‌

A well-known brand from Spain, it is known as one of the largest professional friction product manufacturers in Europe. Its products are famous for their excellent wear resistance and braking performance, enjoying a high reputation in the field of friction materials and are widely used in various trucks.


BOSCH

As a Fortune 500 company and a pioneer in ABS and ESP technology, Bosch is the preferred choice for many truck owners due to its extensive market presence and reliable product quality. Its brake pads are wear-resistant, durable, and provide responsive braking, adapting effectively to a variety of complex road conditions. 


   ICER

ICER is a well-known friction material brand in Spain and holds a significant position in the European commercial vehicle braking parts market. The company specializes in the research, development, and production of brake pads and other braking components, utilizing advanced friction material formula technology. Its products are renowned for their excellent wear resistance, stable braking performance, and strong resistance to thermal fade.


FRAISLE

FRAISLE is a prominent Brazilian truck brake pad brand with a strong market presence. It boasts a large user base across the Latin American market and possesses a deep understanding of the complex and variable road conditions, as well as the unique requirements of truck transportation in the region. FRAISLE has developed brake pad products specifically tailored to these needs. Its products are cost-effective, deliver reliable braking performance, and are designed to withstand intensive transportation operations. The brand holds a significant market share in Brazil and neighboring countries, making it a key player in the Latin American commercial vehicle braking parts market.


 (Remark: Above brand stories are sourced from Baidu AI) 





(About Us) 

www.truckpartsfirst.com is a heavy-duty truck parts sales platform jointly established by Shanghai Shine International (SSI) and four truck component manufacturers with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) qualifications in China.  We specialize in providing replacement parts primarily for Volvo, Scania, Mercedes, MAN, DAF, Renault, and Iveco trucks, offered under our own brands or customers' private labels. The initial product range includes components such as truck cooling systems, air-conditioning systems, braking systems, and more. All products have obtained ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 quality certifications. More than 80% of the leading heavy truck manufacturers in China are our original equipment (OE) partners. For more information, please contact us by sending an email to info@truckpartsfirst.com.







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