Carbonized Bamboo Culm-Based Composite Materials: Mechanical and Frictional Performance for Brake Pad Applications

Dagwa, Ishaya Musa; Okeke, Ogochukwu Eugenia; Zarmai, Musa Tanko; Omiogbemi, Ibrahim Momoh Bello; Adeleke, Adekunle Akanni; Ikubanni, Peter Pelumi; Omotosho, Emmanuel

Abstract

This study examines the development and application of composite materials based on dry and carbonized bamboo culm particles for friction material applications, particularly as a potential replacement for asbestos-based materials. Due to the environmental and health risks associated with asbestos, sustainable, high-performance alternatives are essential. Carbonized bamboo particles offer excellent thermal stability, while bamboo culm enhances strength. The development involved selecting bamboo culm composites, carbonizing, drying, and integrating them with other materials to achieve the desired friction properties. The composite materials were developed in a laboratory setting, and mechanical and thermal experiments were used to characterize the materials' properties. A systematic experimental design approach, including the Taguchi method, was employed to optimize the formulation and processing parameters. Test results show that the developed composite material has high mechanical strength, with an average tensile strength of 10.31 ±0.21 MPa, a modulus of elasticity of 80.07 ±1.60 MPa, an impact strength of 0.6912 J/mm, and a Vickers hardness of 107 HV. Thermal stability was further confirmed during testing, with a maximum temperature of 950℃ at a heating rate of 10℃/min. The developed composite material also performed well in friction material tests, with a friction coefficient of 0.378 and a wear rate of 0.15 mm3/Nm. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that optimized carbonized bamboo brake pads had lower temperature degradation than commercial ones. Results indicated that dry and carbonized bamboo culm composite materials are effective for friction applications, performing comparably to commercial brake pads.

Citation

Dagwa, I. M., Okeke, O. E., Zarmai, M. T., Omiogbemi, I. M. B., Adeleke, A. A., Ikubanni, P. P., & Omotosho, E. (2025). Carbonized Bamboo Culm-Based Composite Materials: Mechanical and Frictional Performance for Brake Pad Applications. International Journal of Design and Nature and Ecodynamics, 20(3), 501-514. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijdne.200305

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 25, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Mar 31, 2025
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 3, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 3, 2025
• Journal: International Journal of Design and Nature and Ecodynamics
• Print ISSN: 1755-7437
• Electronic ISSN: 1755-7445
• Publisher: International Information and Engineering Technology Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 501-514
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.18280/ijdne.200305
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4088330