Brake pads are one of the most essential components in a vehicle’s braking system. They play a direct role in ensuring road safety by generating the friction required to slow down or stop your vehicle. But what many drivers don’t realize is that the material composition of a brake pad significantly affects its performance, longevity, and environmental impact.
Over the years, brake pad materials have evolved from hazardous compounds like asbestos to safer and more sustainable alternatives. The industry has moved toward copper-free brake pads, driven by both performance needs and environmental regulations.
Understanding this evolution — and what each material offers — can help vehicle owners, fleet managers, and automotive technicians make more informed choices.
In this article, we’ll break down the different types of brake pad materials, how they perform, and what’s best for various driving conditions.
Understanding Brake Pad Materials: Why They Matter
Brake pad materials aren’t just about stopping your vehicle — they also influence how smoothly and quietly your brakes function, how long your components last, and even how much brake dust collects on your wheels. The friction material bonded to the backing plate determines:
- Braking efficiency and responsiveness
- Heat resistance during high-speed or heavy-load braking
- Noise levels
- Brake dust and rotor wear
- Environmental safety
Selecting the right material isn’t just a mechanical choice — it’s also a decision about safety, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
The Era of Asbestos Brake Pads
Why Asbestos Was Used
In the early days of disc brakes, asbestos brake pads were the gold standard. Asbestos was abundant, cheap, and incredibly heat-resistant — a perfect match for the high-friction needs of braking systems. It offered durability and noise dampening, making it a reliable choice for both passenger and commercial vehicles.
Health and Environmental Hazards
However, the very properties that made asbestos useful also made it deadly. Asbestos fibers, when airborne, are inhaled easily and remain lodged in the lungs, causing serious health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Over time, it became clear that the risks far outweighed the benefits.
Regulatory Action
By the late 1980s and 1990s, the use of asbestos in brake pads began to decline, especially in North America and Europe. Today, asbestos brake pads are banned or heavily restricted in most industrialized nations, though they may still be found in older or imported vehicles.
Read More: Brake Pads for Car: How to Choose the Perfect Fit
Organic Brake Pads (Non-Asbestos Organic – NAO)
Composition and Design
As a response to the asbestos ban, Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) brake pads were developed. These are made from a blend of rubber, glass, Kevlar, resins, and other organic fibers bonded together with high-temperature adhesives.
Pros
- Quieter operation
- Lower dust output than semi-metallic pads
- More affordable
- Gentle on brake rotors
Cons
- Shorter lifespan
- Decreased performance under extreme heat or heavy braking
- Not ideal for towing or aggressive driving
Organic pads are best suited for lightweight cars, city driving, and everyday commutes.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
What’s Inside?
Semi-metallic brake pads are typically made with 30–65% metal content, including steel wool, copper, iron particles, and other composites. These ingredients are mixed with fillers and binding resins.
Pros
- Excellent heat dissipation
- Durability and performance under heavy braking
- Strong initial bite and brake power
Cons
- Noisier than ceramic and organic pads
- Tends to wear down rotors faster
- Produces more brake dust
These are ideal for trucks, performance cars, and vehicles that tow or operate in high-stress conditions.
Ceramic Brake Pads
Material Composition
Ceramic brake pads consist of ceramic fibers, bonding agents, and nonferrous filler materials like copper or other synthetic compounds. They were originally developed for performance vehicles but are now widely available.
Pros
- Very low brake dust production
- Virtually silent operation
- Excellent lifespan and rotor friendliness
- Performs well across a wide temperature range
Cons
- More expensive than other types
- Performance may drop slightly in extremely cold climates
Ceramic pads are excellent for luxury sedans, hybrids, and daily drivers in urban or suburban settings.
Read More: Ceramic vs. OEM Brake Pads: Which One Is Best for Your Vehicle?
Low-Metallic NAO Brake Pads
The Hybrid Option
Low-metallic NAO pads are essentially an organic compound with a small amount of metal added, typically 10–30% copper or steel. This creates a balanced mix between performance and comfort.
Pros
- Better heat dissipation than pure organic pads
- More effective braking performance
- Still reasonably priced
Cons
- Produces more dust and noise than full ceramic or NAO pads
- Rotor wear is higher than organic, lower than semi-metallic
These pads are well-suited for mid-sized cars and blended driving conditions, offering a decent mix of price and performance.
The Push for Copper-Free Brake Pads
Why Copper is Being Phased Out
While copper in brake pads improves heat transfer and friction consistency, it poses an environmental threat. Tiny particles released during braking wash into waterways, harming aquatic life by disrupting essential biological processes in fish and amphibians.
Copper-Free Legislation
States like California and Washington have enacted strict laws requiring a gradual phase-out of copper in brake pads. The SAE J866 standard introduced compliance levels:
- Level B: No restriction
- Level A: Less than 5% copper
- Level N: Less than 0.5% copper (Copper-Free)
By 2025, most new brake pads sold in the U.S. must comply with Level N, making copper-free pads the new industry standard.
Comparing Brake Pad Materials: Key Factors
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the most common brake pad types:
| Material Type | Noise | Dust | Longevity | Performance | Cost | Best Use Case |
| Organic (NAO) | Low | Low | Short | Moderate | Low | City driving, compact cars |
| Semi-Metallic | High | High | Long | High | Moderate | Trucks, SUVs, high-performance needs |
| Ceramic | Very Low | Very Low | Very Long | Moderate | High | Luxury, daily drivers, low-noise need |
| Low-Metallic NAO | Medium | Medium | Medium | Moderate-High | Low-Mid | Blended driving, general-purpose cars |
| Asbestos (banned) | Medium | Medium | High | Moderate | Low | Obsolete and hazardous |
Choosing the Right Brake Pad Material for Your Vehicle
Your ideal brake pad material depends on a mix of factors:
- Driving habits (aggressive vs. relaxed)
- Vehicle type (compact car vs. heavy-duty truck)
- Typical routes (city traffic vs. open highways)
- Climate (extreme cold or heat)
- Budget (initial vs. long-term costs)
Recommendations:
- City commuters: Ceramic or organic brake pads for quieter, low-dust braking.
- Highway drivers: Low-metallic NAO or ceramic for balanced performance and comfort.
- Performance vehicles: Semi-metallic pads offer strong bite and durability.
- Fleets/heavy-duty trucks: Semi-metallic or hybrid-metal pads for strength and heat resistance.
Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Brake Pad Materials
The evolution of brake pad materials from asbestos to copper-free alternatives marks a significant step in automotive safety and environmental responsibility. Today’s brake pads are more effective, quieter, longer-lasting, and far safer for both people and the planet.
Choosing the right brake pad isn’t just about cost — it’s about matching the right material to your driving needs. Whether you’re a weekend driver or a fleet manager, make sure to prioritize quality materials, safety standards, and environmental compliance.
And remember: regular brake inspections and timely pad replacements are just as important as choosing the right materials.
About Zohama:
Zohama is a premium Japanese brand under HallCrow International, a subsidiary of HallCrow Group, specializing in the design and manufacturing of OEM-quality automotive parts. With dedicated offices in Japan, Germany, China, and Canada, Zohama delivers global support with localized service. From brake components to advanced friction materials, Zohama ensures safety, durability, and performance — trusted by professionals and drivers worldwide.
