Effect of silica on the mechanical properties of palm kernel shell based automotive brake pad

This research investigated the role of silica on palm kernel shell (PKS) as friction lining materials in automotive brake pad production. The were crushed, milled and sieved into four different particle sizes 100, 150, 200 350 µm. formulations weight percentages employed included Resin (20%), steel slag (15%) carbon black (5%) while varied for each size. Individual formulation was mixed about 10 minutes until formation homogeneous mixture. Homogeneous A, B, C D respectively, compacted mould later sintered at 150 oC electric furnace subsequently treated to enhance quality. Produced samples characterized evaluated surface hardness (SH), compressive strength (CS), flame resistance (FR), oil absorption (OA), water (WA) wear rate (WR). particles also using Scanning Electron Microscope. results revealed that sample had highest SH CS values 105.5 Brinell number (BHN) 115.2 N/mm2 respectively with decreasing size increases. FR decreased from A D, increased. Deductively, Sample B grade 100 µm best 99.14 BHN, 105.6 N/mm2, WR 4.15%, 38.98%, WA 4.26 % CF 0.45 OA 0.381%. Conclusively, this developed a high quality eco-friendly PKS composite production pad.