Tribological Behaviour of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Bio Degradable Material as an Alternative Frictional Brake Pad in Automobiles

Brake pad is considered to be the most essential part of the vehicle. Owing to environmental requirements, natural materials are the raising alternative sources for manufacturing degradable specimens. The main intern of this work was to study the tribological properties of carbon fibre with Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) resin, Cashew Nut Shell (CNS) filler, nano Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), alumina and graphite. Four samples of varying composition were prepared under optimum process parametric conditions using compression moulding machine. The prepared samples are taken for tribometer test using pin-on-disc apparatus at room temperature. In this load of 10,20,30,40N and sliding distance of 1000,2000 m are applied and responds like wear rate and co-efficient of friction were noted. In addition, the comparisons of hardness of the specimens before and after the tribometer test were also made to note the behaviour of specimens after exposure to thermal and loaded condition. The sample of 40wt% CNSL resin, 35wt% of Carbon fiber and 10wt% of CNS filler with fixed 10 wt. % of SiO₂, 3 wt. % of Al₂O₃ and 2wt.% graphite shown lesser wear rate and improved coefficient of friction. Hence frictional material of this composition will be a better choice for replacing the conventionally used organic and non-organic brake pad material.