Effects of Particle Size and Composite Composition of Durian Peels and Banana Midribs' as Reinforcement Components on Resin-Based Brake Pad Performance

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of particle size and material composition on the performance of resin-based brake pads. Experiments were carried out by mixing 75% UPR with durian peel and banana midribs fibers using ratios of 1/1, 3/2, and 2/3 at particle sizes of 104 and 250 μm. The experimental results shows that decreasing the particle size improves the mechanical properties of brake pads, but gives a high wear value and a low coefficient of friction. In addition, an increase in the percentage of banana midrib fibers as a whole provides better brake pad performance. The results of the comparison between commercial-based brake pads confirm that agricultural waste is potential as an alternative to friction materials in brake pads. Brake pad with a fiber ratio of 2/3 104 μm had highest values of hardness, wear and friction coefficient, namely 20.33 N/cm3, 2.02 x 10-4 g/s.mm2, and 0.2465. while the 1/1 250 μm and 3/2 250 μm had the lowest coefficient values and compressive strength of 0.1195 and 9.14 N/cm3. This study demonstrates the use of biomass waste as an alternative to friction material to overcome the dangerous problem of using asbestos in brake pads.