Powdered Nitrile rubbers, because of their polarity, act as plasticizers for many polymeric systems including PVC, Phenolics etc. An improved grade of pre-crosslinked Nitrile Elastomer has been developed, with ease in handling attributed to easy flow. This Nitrile Elastomer (rubber) with 38% Acrylonitrile content has excellent flow characteristics due to its partition agent Calcium Carbonate, and when blended as modifier in Phenolic based brakeliners, allows faster braking without creating loud sound. It would therefore aid in enhancing the performance of brake liners and increase the comfort level for the driver as well as passengers, as screeching sound while applying sudden brakes will be eliminated.

This new grade from Bayer Chemical is called Baymod® N VP KA 8641 and is similar to Baymod® N XL 38.20, the benchmark product in powdered nitrile rubbers. In the new grade Calcium Carbonate has replaced talc as a partition agent
Baymod® N VP KA 8641 increases the abrasion coefficients so that delay is avoided as the brake linings heat up and brake activation has an immediate effect, even at low temperatures. The new modifier increases the flexibility of friction and brake linings as well as resistance to oils and automotive fuels, while also improving wear properties and reducing braking sound. Baymod® N VP KA 8641 is used to bind fibers, fillers and phenol formaldehyde resins. Production of these types of resin mixtures usually involves mixing the solid components in a high-speed mixer. The very small particle size of the new modifier enables the rubber to be optimally dispersed even without the use of solvent.