17. Asbestos Free Braking Pads by Using Organic Fiber Based Reinforced Composites for Automotive Industries

This book chapter focuses on the development in replacement of first generation brake materials (asbestos) by organic fiber based polymer composites. This replacement is necessary as the asbestos brake pads causes hazardous effects to the human being and environment. Many researchers report the several organic alternatives for asbestos in different journals. In this chapter, some of the best performed and eco-friendly compositions for brake materials are discussed. The uses of organic fibers and fillers such as flax, basalt, coconut, palm kernel shell, periwinkle shell, and pineapple leaf etc. are studied as an alternative to the asbestos based materials for braking pads. Different combinations of organic fibers with different binders like phenolic resin, polyester, and epoxy etc. are also studied and its influence on the behavior of brake pads is reviewed. Moreover, wear and friction coefficient are the two significant factors to be considered for suitability of any friction materials for braking pad application. Moreover, the influential rules and mechanism of braking conditions like pressure, velocity, and temperature on the friction and wear behaviors of organic reinforcing friction materials are summarized.