Fruit Peel Waste as a Sustainable Alternative in Brake Pad Production

A recent study investigated the use of waste from fruit peels in the manufacturing of brake pads as a possible asbestos-free alternative. The study used epoxy resin as a binder, with the amount increasing between 5 and 30 weight percent in 5 weight percent increments. Traditional asbestos-based brake pads were used as a reference in the study for the morphological, physical, and mechanical qualities of the studied brake pads. Increasing the amount of epoxy resin improved the compressive strength, specific gravity, and hardness of the brake pads while decreasing oil soak, water soak, wear rate, and percentage burnt. Additionally, the study found that brake pads made from lemon, orange, and pomegranate peel particles can also be used as an alternative to asbestos. The study highlights the potential of using fruit peel waste in brake pad production as a sustainable solution that offers a safer alternative to traditional brake pads. Further research is necessary to fully evaluate the long-term performance of these brake pads and their potential for commercialization.