Characterisation of the Nigerian Kankara Kaolinite Clay Particulates for Automobile Friction Lining Material Development

Abstract

The exact batch composition of given automobile brake pads are closely guarded secrets from their various manufacturers. Ceramics have remained some of the recent friction lining materials used in brake pad material development within the last two decades. Nigerian Kankara kaolinite clay was characteristically investigated for its availability and suitability as particulated reinforcement filler; heat and wear resistance in this researchwork. Recently, high efficient brake pads has been found; but with the expensive carbon fibers and other carbon silicon carbide composites. Today all these compounds are still highly expensive materials for commercial vehicles, except for sport racing and other very special cars. Functions of carbon fibers were therefore substituted with clay for examinations and expectations in this research. Alternatively, Asbestos is also considered as cheap materials in terms of production cost and thermal efficiency. Legally, it is still commercially accepted that automobile brake pad could contain asbestos. However clay being healthy, cheaper, and abundantly available, environmentally friendly for production, and capable of performing all the required functions of friction living material is scientifically investigated in this researchwork. This study is to develop an automobile brake pad without harshness, noise, vibration and with long life pad wear for vehicle users.

Keywords: Clay; Sinterability, Functions; Brake Pad; Development.