Diamond Cashew Products is a leading producer of high performance cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) based friction particles for use in the automotive brake industry. With over 35 years of experience making a variety of friction materials, Diamond Cashew Products particles are widely used in cars around the globe. Our R&D teams continue to innovate in this field and to champion CNSL technology across the brake industry.
CNSL friction particles, sometimes called friction dust, are used in disc pad brakes and drum linings as a stabilizing agent. These particles have a resilient nature which cushions the engaging property of a piece of lining. In addition, they decompose on the surface of a lining at various elevated temperatures which controls the wear and offers a protective device by prohibiting excessive temperature from being developed. Moreover, the inclusion of friction particles also helps control brake noise.
Our friction dust product line consists of brown, black, and specialty products that are designed to meet a comprehensive range of performance and property needs. As a result, brake manufacturers can choose the most appropriate friction particle from a broad range of chemistries, mesh sizes and particle distribution.
Standard brown particles are typically used in normal duty disc pads and drum linings. Black particles are an alternative that provide higher heat resistance and improved hardness for high-end disc and clutch applications. Specialty particle grades are designed to deliver unique properties such as lighter color, improved wear reduction, superior heat resistance at elevated (>400°C) temperatures, increased hardness, or excellent anti-corrosion properties. These particles can be used in metallic, semi-metallic, asbestos and non asbestos brake products.