Evaluation of the mechanical properties of periwinkle shell for brake pads production.

Abstract

Automobile brake pads are one of the most important materials to be considered in vehicle safety and functionality. In the production of brake pads, there is need to consider their cost, durability and environmental sustainability. This study investigated the production of brake pads by using periwinkle shell as an abrasive material, Bakelite powder as a binder and glass fibre as reinforcement; an alternative to asbestos-based materials. Samples were prepared in different binder-to-abrasive ratios, namely 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50, and then compared with an industrially produced brake pad which serve as the control. Among the samples, sample 2 with the 20:80 binder-to-abrasive ratio had the best flexural strength of 51.16 MPa, impact strength of 0.0297J/mm² and a shore D hardness of 76 while sample 3 with the 30:70 ratio had the highest Shore D hardness of 77, a flexural strength of 16.0 MPa and impact strength of 0.007J/mm² . Both samples were harder than the control which had a Shore D hardness of 53. These results indicate that periwinkle shell could serve as a promising, low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional abrasive in the production of automobile brake pads.