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Brake pads are vital parts of automobiles, where tribological properties are prime concern. Usually, asbestos brake pads were used, which were replaced by copper-based in later years. As brake lining materials have evolved, synthetic friction composites were explored as alternatives. Recent works suggest that, natural composites are promising friction material. However, poor thermal conductivity and frictional stability have limited their applications. Surface treatment of fibers and addition of secondary fillers have improved their possibilities. Thus, hybridization of reinforcements has expanded their range of applications. The present article attempts to review various aspects of brake pads and their testing with attention on natural composites. Their properties were studied to conform their ability to meet desired requirements. The article reviews the studies conducted in recent years on various materials properties related to brake pads. The future potential of natural components in the development of friction composite materials for automotive applications is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents the influence of SiCp incorporation on three-body abrasive wear behaviour of glass/epoxy composites. The investigation was carried out using dry sand rubber wheel abrasive wear test apparatus. 2k factorial design of experiments was used to capture the experimental data. The parameters considered are abrading distance, load and speed. The wear rate was found to increase with the increasing values of wear parameters. The applied load has exhibited significant effect on wear rate. Incorporation of SiCp contributed to enhance wear resistance of glass/epoxy composites. The linear regression was also presented in the study to correlate abrasion parameters with wear rate. SEM image analysis of abraded surface revealed the occurrence of ploughing, micro-cutting, matrix removal and fiber breakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of filler material on three-body abrasive wear behaviour of Glass - Epoxy composites has been investigated. The abrading distance, applied load and sliding speed are the parameters used for the study. A L9 orthogonal array and ANOVA were used to identify the contribution of individual parameters. The result shows that the weight loss increases with increase in load, sliding speed and abrading distance. The abrading distance has more effect on the wear compared to other parameters. The filler material (SiC) contributes a significant wear resistance of the G-E composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]