CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS REINFORCED WITH COCONUT FIBERS USED FOR AUTOMOTIVE BRAKE PADS

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to develop new organic composite for automotive brake pads without any harmful effect. Different laboratory formulations were prepared with varying coconut fiber, friction modifiers, abrasive material and solid lubrificant using powder mettallurgy techique. The properties examined are density, porosity, hardness, mechanical properties, loss of weight based on termo-gravimetric analysis and SEM morfology. The new composites tested in the laboratory, modeling appropriate percentage between matrix and reinforcement volume and can be obtained with low density material, high hardness properties, good thermal stability, higher ability to hold the compressive force and without any harmful effect. The results obtained make them useful for brake pads of light and medium weight vehicles.