• Friction Products

  • Friction Products

Friction Particles

For safer, longer-lasting brakes

Cardolite is a global leader in cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) friction particles, with over 40 years of experience serving the automotive brake industry. Our particles are used in disc pads and drum linings as stabilizers that cushion impact, control wear, reduce noise, and enhance durability.

We offer a broad portfolio of brown, black, and specialty grades to meet a wide range of performance needs:

    • Brown particles – trusted choice for standard duty disc pads and drum linings.
    • Black particles – higher heat resistance and hardness for premium disc and clutch applications.
    • Specialty particles – lighter color options with improved wear resistance, superior performance at >400°C, added hardness, and excellent anti-corrosion properties.

Available in multiple chemistries, mesh sizes, and particle distributions, Cardolite friction particles give brake manufacturers the flexibility to design reliable, high-performance braking systems across metallic, semi-metallic, asbestos, and non-asbestos formulations.

Brown Friction Grades

ProductAcetone Extract (%)ASH (%)Volatile Loss @ 370°C, %Size (mesh)Applications/CommentsDocuments
NX-2004-20≤ 4≤ 3≤ 3520Standard brown particle for all normal duty disc pad and drum lining applications.TDS MSDS (USA) SDS (EU)
NX-2020-30≤ 4≤ 3≤ 3530Standard brown particle for all normal duty disc pad and drum lining applications.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-1820≤ 6≤ 3≤ 3530Standard brown particle for all normal duty disc pad and drum lining applications.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-104-40≤ 8≤ 3≤ 3540Standard brown particle for all normal duty disc pad and drum lining applications.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-2004-40≤ 5≤ 3≤ 3540Standard brown particle for all normal duty disc pad and drum lining applications.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-5207≤ 6≤ 3≤ 35100Fine brown particle with improved heat resistance for disc pad, drum lining and clutch applications.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)

Black Friction Grades

ProductAcetone Extract (%)ASH (%)Volatile Loss @ 370°C, %Size (MESH)Applications/CommentsDocuments
NC-108≤ 10≤ 3≤ 3030Black particle with medium to higher heat resistance and improved hardness for disc pad and drum lining applications.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-5319≤ 73 - 7≤ 3040Black particle with medium to higher heat resistance and improved hardness for disc pad and drum lining applications.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-5208≤ 10≤ 3≤ 30100Fine black particle with improved heat resistance for disc pad, drum lining and clutch applications.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)

Specialty Friction Grades

ProductAcetone Extract (%)ASH (%)Volatile Loss @ 370°C, %Size (mesh)Applications/CommentsDocuments
NX-1034≤ 4≤ 1.5≤ 3040Unique, high purity, yellow particle providing excellent wear reduction.TDS MSDS (USA)
NX-1035≤ 57 - 10≤ 2560Inorganic modified brown particle providing superior heat resistance at elevated (>400°C) temperatures.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-1045≤ 53 - 6≤ 2560Inorganic modified brown particle providing superior heat resistance at elevated (>400°C) temperatures.TDS MSDS (USA)
NX-5311≤ 4≤ 10≤ 3060Neutral pH black particle providing excellent anti-corrosion properties.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-5319-2≤ 2≤ 2≤ 3040High furfural black particle providing increased pad hardness.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-15001 - 3.4≤ 5≤ 2560Higher heat resistant black particle for high-end disc pad and clutch applications.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)

Friction Resins

For durable, high-performance brakes

Cardolite is a leading producer of cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) based binder resins. Manufacturers in the transportation and brake industries use these resins to hold brake linings, pads, blocks, and belts together.

Cashew-based resins deliver unique benefits including impact resistance, flexibility, and thermal stability. Cardolite binder resins are offered in a range of viscosity, special and solvent-free solids, and modifications. Therefore, the resins can suit different application requirements.

These resins can be used as binders for friction products and heavy-duty blocks and rail applications. In addition, CNSL binder resins are useful in applications such as a replacement for tong oil in brake belts, and tire bead filler.

Solvent-Based Binder Resins

Product (%)SolidsViscosity @ 25˚C (cPs)Gel Time, @ 82˚C (min)Typical lbs/gal (kg/L)SolventApplications/CommentsDocuments
NC-3268013,500-23,50012 - 247.95 (0.96)Aliphatic SolventA blend of high and low molecular weight providing high strength.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-370E8080800-2,00010 - 258.25 (0.99)Ethanol BlendEthanol blend providing very low processing viscosity.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-342X8012,000-20,0008 - 207.58 (0.91)Aliphatic Solvent BlendElastomer modified binder resin providing very good flexibility and high temperature resistance.TDS MSDS (USA) SDS (EU)

Solvent-Free Binder Resins

Product (%)SolidsViscosity @ 25˚C (cPs)Gel Time, @ 82˚C (min)Typical lbs/gal (kg/L)Applications/CommentsDocuments
NX-5341> 9740,000 - 51,00035 - 55N/ASolvent free cashew resin with high cardol content. Used as a liquid reactive softener or tackifier to improve physical strength.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-370> 9825,000 - 80,000 at 50˚C20 - 458.3 (1.00)High viscosity, solvent free cashew resin providing high temperature resistance.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-2056> 9990,000 - 130,00030 - 50N/AHigh viscosity, solvent free cashew resin providing high temperature resistance.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-371> 9915,000 - 40,00025 - 35N/AMedium viscosity, solvent free cashew resin providing superior strength in heavy duty applications.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-4778> 9840,000 - 51,00040 - 55N/ASolvent free cashew resin with good processing viscosity for all friction material applications providing high strength and temperature resistance.TDS MSDS (USA)
NX-6026≥ 981,000 - 2,000N/AN/AVery low viscosity, solvent free cashew resin. Very good wetting properties and excellent for wet mix processing.TDS MSDS (USA)

Friction Intermediate Binders

ProductSolid (%)Viscosity (cPs)Specific Gravity @ 25˚CApplications/CommentsDocuments
NC-603100≤ 6000.943 - 0.968Cashew nutshell liquidTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-70010045 - 750.925 - 0.945Minimum 87% cardanol for phenolic resin synthesis and modification, or areas where a unique modified phenolic is desired.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-534599450 - 3,000N/AA multi-purpose CNSL modified resin for applications in modified phenolic resins, rubber products, laminated materials, and friction materials.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-4670(C)100≤ 20,0001An alkylated phenol mixture of ~40% cardanol, ~20% cardol, and ~40% polymeric cardanol. Used as an intermediate or modifier.TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)

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For more information, please contact your sales representative or submit an inquiry on our site.

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