Investigation of Coir Fiber as a Sustainable Reinforcement in Non-Asbestos Organic Brake Pad Composites

Abstract

This work highlights the establishment and characterisation of new natural fibre-reinforced composite brake pad materials to replace asbestos fibre material, the dust of which is carcinogenic and dangerous to humans. Different additives like M-Sand and Glass fibre are used to study the change in properties of coir fibre-reinforced non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake friction material. The coir fibre-built-up NAO brake cushion material was created utilizing a pressure shaping interaction with 3 distinct definitions by differing the constituents. Studies are directed at NAO brake contact materials to track down their similarity as a brake rubbing material. The material was inspected and tried utilizing a Widespread Testing Machine (UTM), Tensiometer, nail Circle and Rockwell hardness analyzer to investigate its rigidity and tribological properties individually. The water retention and oil ingestion properties of the brake cushion material were additionally concentrated according to ASTM norms. The hardness, porosity, and ultimate strength of NAO brake friction samples were higher than those of commercial brake pad material (CBP). The density appears to be less than that of commercial brake pad material. The presence of coir fibre and M- Sand increased the amount of water and oil absorption by the materials. Hence, the NaOH treatment has reduced the water absorption ability of the materials. The wear rate was higher than that of commercial brake pad material and the COF value was between 0.4 and 0.5 for every sample that we prepared by varying the quantity of different additives. It can be concluded that the sample with 15% coir fibre and 15% M- Sand has shown a better result than others except for an increase in water absorption. As a result, coir fibre-reinforced non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake friction material can be a viable candidate filler material for the production of asbestos-free replacement brake pads with no adverse effects.