Physical properties of palm ash mixed with phenolic resin

Abstract

Brake pad is one of the important engineering components in automobile and it is developed by various materials including asbestos which is harmful to the human and its production exceeds 10 or more ingredients. In this study, palm ash was used to replace asbestos. Characterization of palm ash was done by using XRF, Malvern Particle size and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The composition palm ash was prepared by pre-mix the palm ash, Ca2O3, phenolic resins, Al2O3, graphite and steel fiber mill and then compressed at 15MPa. Samples were cured at temperature 150°C for 5 minutes. Microstructure, density and porosity, water absorption, compressive and Izod test were carried out on the specimens. The result shows that the values of porosity, compressive strength and impact test were increased with increasing content of palm ash.