Tribological Behaviors of Polymer-Based Hybrid Nanocomposite Brake Pad

Abstract

Although extensive improvement has been done on brake pad for vehicles, most recent materials used still encounter wear rate, friction, stopping distance, and time deficiencies. In this regards, this study developed a polymer-based nanocomposite brake pad. Here, a combination of carbon-based materials, including those at a nanoscale, was used to produce the brake pad. Tribological performance, such as friction coefficient, wear rate, and stopping distances of developed brake pad were investigated using an inertial dynamometer. The results revealed that the stopping distances, the coefficient of friction (CoF), and wear rate vary with the brake pad formation and velocity. The micrographs show changes in the structural formation after the incorporation of carbon-based fillers. It also shows smooth surface structure and uniform dispersion of the carbon fiber. The smooth surface of the worn brake pad is an indicative of a tougher structure. Hence, it was deduced that the fabricated polymer-based hybrid composite had good tribological property. This improved property is suggestive of materials that may be successfully used for brake pad application.