Effect of bamboo weight faction on mechanical properties in non-asbestos composite of motorcycle brake pad

This study aims to determine the mechanical properties of the use of brake pads based on composite materials from bamboo fiber, and to evaluate the effect of replacement of brake pad material made from asbestos with natural materials to avoid the impacts of asbestosis substances, such as cancer. The method used several stages: weighing, mixing, inserting materials in molding, compacting, and sintering. The stages were carried out in three types of composites: Composite 1 (40% of bamboo fiber, 30% of MgO, and 30% of epoxy resin), composite 2 (50% of bamboo fiber, 25% of MgO, and 25% of epoxy resin), and composite 3 (60% of bamboo fiber, 20% of MgO, and 20% of epoxy resin). Tests for mechanical properties were carried out using a standard analysis, such as wear rate using ASTM D3702-94 standard, hardness test using ASTM D 785-03 type R, heat resistance using 2300 testing temperature, and composite brake lifetime analysis. The results showed that the composition of bamboo brought great influences on the mechanical properties. The best specimen had a wear rate of 0.9612.10^-8 g/mm² .s, hardness of 91.8 HRR, and heat resistance at 280°C with a duration of 810 days. It is expected that the use of composite brake pads made from bamboo fiber can replace brake pads made from asbestos, which is healthier and safer to use.