Recycled ceramic composite for automobile brake pad application

Abstract Ceramic tile/steel slag-graphite-Arabic gum composite has been developed using conventional casting techniques for brake pad applications. Chemical properties of the phases present in the matrix of the developed composite were examined using X-ray diffractometer. Spatial configuration of the phases was viewed using Scanning Electron Microscope. Wear and thermal properties of the developed composite were also investigated. Correlation between the properties of the developed composite and the commercial grade brake pads were made. Results showed partial homogenity of the second phase particle within the ceramic matrix. The developed composite brake pad showed a better friction property than the commercial grade brake pads up to 200 s while above this duration, the reverse was the case. The developed composite brake displayed lower wear rates and better thermal stability than the commercial grades implying optimum combination of good wear resistance, friction property and thermal stability up to 200 s. Since brake application while driving is an intermittent short span process (< 3 minutes), the developed composite could serve as a replacement for asbestos brake pad for automobile applications.