Development of an Eco-Friendly Polymer-Based Brake Pad Incorporating Natural Friction Modifiers for Improved Tribological Performance

The increasing environmental concerns associated with conventional brake pad materials, particularly asbestos and metallic constituents, have necessitated the development of sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. This study focuses on the design and fabrication of a polymer-based brake pad reinforced with natural friction modifiers to enhance tribological performance while minimizing environmental impact. Natural materials such as agricultural or plant-based fibers are incorporated as friction-enhancing additives within a polymer matrix to improve wear resistance, thermal stability, and braking efficiency. The developed composite brake pad was fabricated using a compression molding technique and evaluated through experimental testing for hardness, wear rate, coefficient of friction, and thermal resistance. The findings show that adding natural friction modifiers greatly enhances friction stability and lessens material deterioration under various load scenarios. Furthermore, the developed brake pad exhibits lower environmental impact compared to conventional metallic or asbestos-based pads. The findings suggest that natural friction modifiers can effectively replace synthetic additives, contributing to sustainable automotive component development without compromising performance. This research provides a promising pathway toward green tribological materials for next generation braking systems.