Track: Manufacturing

Abstract

This paper investigates the development of asbestos-free brake pads utilizing carbon nanotubes derived from waste rice husks. The aim was to replace the hazardous asbestos with an eco-friendly composite. The study implemented an experimental research design approach. The sol-gel method was used in the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTS) from rice husks. The composition of the brake pads was developed by varying the CNTs (0.5–1.5 wt. %). About five (5) weight percent CaCO₃ obtained from oyster shells served as a filler. In addition, five-(5) weight percent graphite served as a friction material, which was added to the mixture of epoxy and hardener. Wear, thickness swelling in SEA oil and water, hardness values, and microstructure are among the properties that were examined. The results show that the brake pad from the CNTs formulation at 1.5 wt. percentage was not only effective but also comparable to conventional brake pads in performance. Therefore, the research proposes the use of CNT grade derived from rice husks as a convenient alternative material for the production of asbestos-free brake pads.