Browsing by Author "Yusuf, H."

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    Optimisation and Performance Evaluation of Brake Pad from Bauhinia Thonningii Pods
    (Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, 2026) Popoola, O. T.; Ibrahim, H. K.; Zakariyya, S. O.; Yessoufou, B. W.; Yusuf, H.; Olayiwola, M.
    The toxicity of asbestos, a traditional friction material in brake pads, has driven the search for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the use of Bauhinia thonningii pods (BTP) as reinforcement in non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake pad composites. The pods were chemically treated with 5% NaOH and H2O2, sieved into three grain sizes, and fabricated via cold pressing and oven curing. Using Design Expert™ software, 23 runs of formulation constituents (Bauhinia, alumina, and calcium carbonate) and 17 runs of process parameters (compaction pressure, time, curing temperature, and duration) were optimized for Physico-mechanical and tribological properties (density, hardness, and coefficient of friction) of BTP brake pads. The properties of the optimised BTP brake pad were evaluated and compared with the commercial brake pad (CBP) AUTO-BOSS D2217. The results revealed that finer BTP grain size and lower pod content improved hardness and density, while higher alumina content enhanced frictional stability. Increased compaction pressure and curing temperature improved hardness and density, whereas extended curing time stabilised the coefficient of friction (COF) and enhanced wear resistance. The optimised BTP brake pad showed higher density, hardness, wear resistance, with lower COF (2.72 g/cm³, 284.86 HV, 10.12 mm/mm³, and 0.437) than CBP (1.52 g/cm³, 206.94 HV, 4.17 mm/mm³, and 0.3535), demonstrating improved mechanical and tribological properties.