Eco-Friendly Brake Pad Formulation Using Agro-Waste Derived Fillers: Bush Mango Nutshell and Palm Fruit Fiber Reinforced Composites

Abstract

The increasing demand for eco-friendly automotive materials necessitates the replacement of carcinogenic asbestos in brake pads. This study investigates the development of asbestos-free brake pads using bush mango shells (Irvingia gabonensis) and palm fruit fibre (PFF) as sustainable fillers. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) optimized the formulation, focusing on wear rate, compressive strength, and hardness. The optimal brake pad composition, containing 30% BMS/PFF with a 300 µm particle size, exhibited competitive mechanical and wear properties: wear rate (2.97-3.96 mg/m), compressive strength (74.66-148 MPa), and hardness (94-104 HRB). Thermal stability was maintained between 200°C and 550°C. This eco-friendly formulation presents a viable alternative to asbestos, supporting sustainable automotive manufacturing.