Fabrication and mechanical properties of composite palm ash mixed with phenolic resins

Abstract

Brake pad is one of the important engineering components in automobile and it is fabricated by combination of various materials. Asbestos is one of the components in brake pad that is harmful to the human. In this investigation, palm ash was used to replace asbestos. Characterization of palm ash was carried out by using XRF, Malvern Particle size and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The composite samples for brake pad application were developed by pre-mix the palm ash, CaCO3, phenolic resins, Al2O3, graphite and steel fiber mill and then compacted at 15MPa. Samples were cured at a temperature of 150°C for 5 minutes. Study on microstructure, density, porosity, water absorption, compressive and impact test was carried out on the samples. The results showed that the compressive and impact strength were increased with increasing content of palm ash.