Effect of palm frond fiber and aluminium powder with a polyester resin binder on the brake pads composite

The research aims to determine the optimal mechanical properties and composition of various mixtures of palm frond fiber, aluminum powder (Al), and polyester resin for use as brake lining materials. The research stage starts by making and testing samples using the Brinell hardness test, the Ogoshi wear test, the tensile strength test, and the microstructure test. The lowest hardness is achieved in a composition of 60% palm frond, 20% Al powder, and 30% Polyester, with a value of 38.2 kg/mm 2 . Compared to the SAE standard, with a value of 68 HR converted to Brinell, the hardness value has not reached the SAE standard, which is 33 BHN. Each sample has a wear value lower than the SAE standard in the wear test results. The lowest wear value is at a composition of 60% palm frond, 10% Al, and 30% polyester with a value of 0.9342x10 −7 mm 2 /kg. Based on the microstructure analysis of the three samples, the sample with a composition of 50% palm frond, 20% aluminum, and 30% polyester resin exhibits the best cross-sectional structure, as the mixture of the constituent materials is relatively uniform.