Perspectives on Developing Green Composite Friction Materials as a Sustainable, Safe and Eco-Friendly Pathway for Automotive Applications

Abstract

 Composite friction materials are in use since the inception of motor vehicles and they have undergone numerous cycles of evolution in order to fit to market scenarios, vehicle requirements and strict environmental regulations. Vehicles starting from simple two-wheelers to more complex multi-axled trucks need such friction materials to slow down and stop when required. Friction materials are made of various components, namely, binders, fillers, fibers, lubricants, abrasives and metals. Unfortunately, most of these components are seen as a threat to environment and hence search for newer routes to making eco-friendly materials is underway. Either the materials themselves are non-sustainable, or they are derived using non-sustainable pathways. For example, friction materials are prepared by employing one or more non-sustainable methods, resins used as binders are still derived from petrochemicals which are non-sustainable, and minerals used in friction material formulations are produced using non-sustainable processes. Alternatively, binders used in formulations could be made using plant derived material “lignin” as a starting material instead of the petrochemical ‘phenol’. This short investigation looks into various aspects of a composite friction material and highlights different issues underlying them. Finally, it is felt that a huge research investment is required to feel and make greener composite friction materials for automotive applications, that are totally safe and completely eco-friendly and sustainable as a wholesome entity