Experimental Analysis and Performance Evaluation of Advanced Composite Brake Pads for Automotive Applications

This research focuses on developing environmentally friendly materials for automotive brake pads. The goal is to create pollution-free brake pads that enhance performance, durability and reduce weight. This research work focuses on developing an innovative, eco-friendly material for friction pads, aiming to create pollution-free brake pads that enhance performance, durability, and reduce weight. The research evaluates the performance of glass fiber, jute fiber, and basalt fiber in brake pads, known for their ability to improve braking efficiency while maintaining stability, controllability, and a broad range of torque outputs. Using selected composite material samples (jute fiber, glass fiber, and basalt fiber), an experimental investigation was conducted to assess frictional behaviour under different loads, speeds, temperatures, wear conditions and deceleration performance in terms of stopping time. The results revealed that brake pad performance improved by 24.62% for jute fiber, 30.28% for glass fiber, and 34.20% for basalt fiber compared to traditional brake pads. Among the tested composites, basalt fiber exhibited the best stopping time and heat resistance. Major Findings: Research has demonstrated that adding basalt fibres to brake pads improves their wear resistance, mechanical characteristics and braking performance as compared to other composite materials, suggesting that basalt fibres are a suitable reinforcing material for automobile braking applications.