Incorporating date palm fibers for sustainable friction composites in vehicle brakes

Abstract

The demand for eco-friendly materials in automotive components has spurred research into natural fibers as sustainable alternatives for brake pads. This study examines the potential of date palm fibers, particularly the palm frond midrib (PFM), in brake pad composites. The effects of epoxy, PFM, and calcium carbonate on the composites’ mechanical and tribological properties were analyzed. The optimal formulation (25% epoxy, 30% PFM, 35% calcium carbonate) exhibited superior properties, including a hardness of 87 HRB, wear rate of 1.5E-03 mg/mm, and COF of 0.73, surpassing commercial pads. Additionally, an inverse relationship between PFM/calcium carbonate content and compressibility was observed, with increased calcium carbonate enhancing wear resistance. This research underscores the potential of utilizing date palm resources in eco-friendly brake manufacturing, reducing the environmental and health impacts of traditional materials.