Effect of various synthetic and natural fibers for the production of copper-free automotive brake pads

In recent years, asbestos and copper free brake pads have attracted researchers due to its adverse environmental risks which make it mandatory for the manufacturers to look for a reliable replacement. It is essential to identify new combination of synthetic and natural fibers for the potential automotive brake pads. Experiments were planned to produce various frictional composites (1) glass fiber (2) carbon fiber (3) basalt fiber (4) hemp fiber with standard additional materials through hot pressing technique. The developed form of brake pads were tested as per ASTM and industrial standard practices like hardness, wear and friction. Also worn surface analysis was performed using a scanning electron microscope. Most noteworthy tribometric operating parameters like load (10-40N), sliding velocity (1-5m/s) were being considered and wear mechanism for various types of composites and their performances are being discussed. In order to prove the application suitability, recovering synthetic and natural fiber composites were compared with two different commercially used pads of asbestos and copper. At the end of the research, the improvements are dedicated for producing composites to the automotive brake pads.