Review on the Recent Advances in Various Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites Brake Pad Materials

Polymeric composites are commonly employed in automobile brake pads owing to their high coefficient of friction and low wear rate at higher temperatures up to about 250 °C. Asbestos reinforcements in polymeric composites form a censorious part of the existing brake pad composition due to their ability to withstand high temperatures. However, serious health issues produced by asbestos have brought attention to finding its better replacements. In this context, the brake pads fabricated from epoxy reinforced with biodegradable particles gain significance over commercial brake pads. However, polymeric materials used in automobile brake pads need improvement in tribological properties and braking actions such as stopping distance and stopping time. The current review discusses various properties of epoxy composites, their fabrication techniques, and material characterization methods. The article also focuses on the various environment–friendly reinforcements which can substitute toxic asbestos filler.