Tribo-performance analysis of white ark shell powder/grewia optiva fiber reinforced brake friction composites

Abstract

This work presents a comparative tribo-performance of two eco-friendly brake friction composites (EBFC’s), developed using white ark shell powder (WASP) and treated Grewia Optiva (GO) fibers as key ingredients, with a commercial brake friction material (CBFM). EBFC-1 and EBFC-2 were developed with 30/5: WASP/GO fiber and 25/10: WASP/GO fiber respectively using compression molding. The physico-mechanical properties of the developed samples were investigated as per IS2742: Part 3 standards. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed up to 800 °C to predict the thermal stability. The specimens were characterized for friction and wear properties using a tribo-test setup as per ASTM G99 standards under the normal loads varying from 100 N to 200 N at 1.7 m s−1 and 3.3 m s−1 of sliding velocities. The EBFC specimens offered lower friction coefficient and better wear resistance than the CBFM. The developed EBFCs offered better stability coefficient than the CBFM. The EBFC specimens showed good compatibility and integrity with the resin material as compared to the CBFM as evident from SEM analysis. Based on the performance, WASP may be recommended as a potential filler and GO fibers as reinforcement in brake friction compositions to enhance wear resistance, stability and minimizing the friction fluctuations.