SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Wagner ThermoQuiet CeramicNXT brake pads featuring Wagner OE21 formulations are the first full line of replacement ceramic pads to achieve low-copper certification, according to Federal-Mogul. Approval was provided by NSF International, an independent registrar overseeing manufacturer compliance with copper legislation. The official industry “LeafMark,” indicating compliance with 2021 legislative requirements, will now appear on Wagner ThermoQuiet CeramicNXT boxes. 
Reduction of copper content in vehicle friction materials is required with the recent passage of environmental legislation in California and Washington. This legislation mandates that the use of copper in new OE and replacement brake pads be reduced to less than 5 percent (“low-copper”) of material content by weight by Jan. 1, 2021.
Federal-Mogul stated that, as a global leader in eco-friendly friction technology for original equipment (OE) manufacturers, the company developed OE21 low-copper formulations specifically for the Wagner ThermoQuiet aftermarket product line. These new ThermoQuiet low-copper ceramic pads are 35 percent quieter while providing 15 percent more stopping power and 40 percent greater fade resistance than previous formulations, according to the company.
“These low-copper certifications demonstrate that Wagner Brake is leading the way in addressing the latest environmental regulations. In addition, our engineers have redefined the science of ceramic friction technology by developing eco-friendly formulations that provide across-the-board improvements in overall braking performance,” said Martin Hendricks, vice president and general manager, braking, Federal-Mogul.
Federal-Mogul says the Wagner OE21 formulations were developed through an advanced tribological “fingerprinting” process that enabled the company’s engineers to map the dynamic properties of copper in a full range of operating conditions and then identify alternative materials that provide superior NVH control, improved stopping power, reduced fade and outstanding dusting characteristics.
To learn more about the proprietary OE21 low-copper friction formulations and Wagner ThermoQuiet CeramicNXT brake pads, visit www.WagnerBrake.com.
