Study on tribological properties of palm kernel fiber for brake pad applications

Abstract

The need of the natural fibers as an alternative for existing synthetic fibers is in great demand for automotive applications. The primary objective of this work is to examine the effect of palm kernel fibers as the replacement of existing synthetic fibers. In this work the palm kernel shell fiber is added in three different weight percentages such as 0%, 5% and 10% and developed in the form of the standard brake pad as per industrial standards by keeping the Barites were used as an space filling ingredient. The various Physical, Chemical and mechanical properties were examined as per industrial standards. Chase Test Rig was used to examine the Tribological properties. Based on the evaluated Results it can be concluded that the coefficient of friction shows a decreasing value on increasing the fiber content. The Brake pad Composites containing 5 wt% of palm kernel fibers possessed high frictional value 0.454 and fade percentage was low with minimal undulations. Palm kernel fibers with 10 weight percentages showed some undulations. It can be concluded Palm Kernel Fiber with 5 weight percentage can be used as a replacement of the synthetic fibers. Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to determine the wear mechanism of the developed brake pad composites.

Keywords

• brake pad
• palm kernel fiber
• tribological properties
• chase test
• natural fibers