Entropy-TOPSIS appraisal of brake friction linings developed from composite agricultural wastes using optimum manufacturing process parameters

Abstract

In this study, the optimum process parameters for the manufacture of brake friction linings (BFLs) from palm kernel shells (PKS), periwinkle shell (PWS) and coconut shell (CNS) composites were established using Signalto -Noise ratio based on the Taguchi technique. The L 9 (3 4 ) orthogonal array was set up for the investigation in respect of the performance metrics (coe cient of friction, wear rate and hardness) which were synergized by multiple criteria evaluation. The manufacturing parameters considered were molding pressure, molding temperature, curing time and heat treatment time. Consequently, the optimized parameters were utilized for the production of different BFLs composites of PKS/PWS/CNS mix. Finally, Entropy and TOPSIS techniques were employed to isolate the best composite for comparative analysis. The results shows that the optimum process parameters obtained are respectively 29 MPa (molding pressure), 120°C (molding temperature), 6 minutes (curing time) and 2 hrs. (heat treatment time). ANOVA conducted using Minitab 21.1.0.0 reveals the effect of the molding pressure and the curing time as statistically signi cant at α = 0.05 with a total contribution of 94.45%. Entropy-TOPSIS analysis gave sample S2 pkpc with a composition of 12%PKS, 15%PWS, 18%CNS as the best formulation.Compared to asbestos BFL, the composite shows an improvement in the coe cient of friction (45.7%), wear rate (66%), density (60.2%), oil and water absorption (233%) and (542.8%) respectively. The vehicle live test conducted on a Peugeot 301 using S2 pkpc BFL a rms satisfactory performance of the composite. However, increased wear rate was noted at vehicle speed above 90km/hr.