Effect of grain size on the physicomechanical properties

Abstract

In this study, locally available waste coconut (Cocos nucifera) shells (CSs) were investigated as possible replacement for asbestos-based brake pads. The CS-based brake pad was tested for its physicomechanical properties and compared with a commercial brake pad used as control sample. The results showed that (a) an improved interfacial bonding between the CS particles and the binder as the grain size decreases; (b) the 90 μm grain size sample had better physicomechanical properties than the control sample in all tests except the thermal conductivity and stability tests; and (c) the hardness, compressive strength, and density of the CS-based brake pad decreased with increasing grain size, whereas the absorption properties increased with increasing grain size. The study showed that further reduction of the grain size below 90 μm and matrix impregnation with metals of good thermal conductivity could provide significant improvements to properties of the CS-based brake pad.