Development and Characterization of Epoxy-Based Asbestos-Free Brake Pad Composites Reinforced with Cow Hoof Particulates

• Mathew O. ADEOTI

  Author

• Victor N. HARUNA

  Author

• Omolayo M. IKUMAPAYI

  Author

• Timothy A. ADEKANYE

  Author

The growing global demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable brake pads has intensified the search for viable alternatives to asbestos-based materials. Agricultural and animal waste materials offer advantages such as low cost, wide availability, and reduced environmental impact, making them promising reinforcement options. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of cow hoof particulates as reinforcement in epoxy-based composites for automotive brake pads. Composites were produced using an epoxy resin matrix, cow hoof particles of varying sizes (150 μm, 250 μm, and 350 μm), and additives including calcium carbonate, graphite, and aluminium oxide. The developed samples were subjected to water and oil absorption tests, compressive strength evaluation, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tribological testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The results revealed that both water and oil absorption increased with increasing particle size, which can be attributed to the formation of more pronounced pore networks and diminished interfacial integrity between the reinforcement and matrix. Compressive strength decreased with increasing particle size, primarily due to weakened particle matrix adhesion and ineffective stress transfer. Thermal analysis confirmed that all samples remained stable within typical brake operating temperatures (450–620 °C). Composites of the newly produced pad was 78% efficient, it maintained stable friction coefficients (0.62–0.79), suitable for braking applications. However, wear increased significantly at loads above 40 N and speeds beyond 3.5 m/s due to tribofilm breakdown, evidenced by grooves, micro-cracks, and delamination. SEM showed finer particles (≤75 µm) formed dense, uniform structures with better wear resistance, while coarser particles (≥150 µm) caused porosity, weak bonding, and particle pull-out. Cow hoof particulates demonstrate strong potential as sustainable reinforcement for brake pad production. This study has introduced cow hoof particulates as a previously underutilized animal-waste reinforcement in epoxy-based brake pad composites. It also provides experimental evidence that finer cow hoof particles significantly enhance interfacial bonding, wear resistance, and overall performances of brake pads.

• FJET_21_49_49

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