Recent Progress and Evolution in the Development of Non-Asbestos Based Automotive Brake Pad- A Review

Asbestos has been a significant reinforcement material in the production of automobile friction components due to its physical and mechanical properties. However, the replacement of asbestos and other toxic metals employed in producing conventional friction components has been called for due to health and environmental concerns. Research in this area has led to the development of more efficient non-asbestos based organic friction materials for automobiles. In this study, recent progress in the manufacture of non-asbestos based, eco-friendly automotive brake pads is reviewed. A complete classification of conventional and non-conventional friction materials used in the development of brake pads is presented, and the production method and the roles of friction materials in the mechanical and tribological properties of the manufactured pads are discussed. The study shows that the performance of brake pads manufactured from plants, animals, or plants and animal materials (hybrid) varies depending on the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the plants and/or animals.