Sifat Tarik dan Keausan Komposit Poliester Berpenguat Serat dan Serbuk Buah Pinang untuk Kandidat Material Kampas Rem

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the mechanical properties and wear resistance of composite brake pad materials made from polyester resin, areca nut powder, and areca nut fiber. The research employed an experimental method involving three composition variations: A (65% resin, 5% catalyst, 20% areca nut powder, and 10% areca nut fiber), B (60%, 5%, 25%, and 10%, respectively), and C (55%, 5%, 30%, and 10%, respectively). Each variation consisted of three specimens, resulting in a total of nine test specimens. The material properties were evaluated through tensile and wear tests using the pin-on-disc method. The tensile test results showed that variation A had the highest average maximum stress of 8.57 MPa, maximum load of 822.10 N, and yield strength of 4.59 MPa. Meanwhile, the wear test results indicated that variation C had the lowest wear rate of 2.64 × 10⁻³ mm³/m, followed by variation B at 3.92 × 10⁻³ mm³/m and variation A at 5.10 × 10⁻³ mm³/m. These results indicate differences in the material's tensile strength and wear resistance characteristics. Variation C may be considered a candidate for further development when wear resistance is prioritized, although variation A exhibits higher tensile strength. This study did not evaluate the coefficient of friction or braking performance; therefore, the suitability of the material for brake pad applications cannot yet be established. Further testing and direct comparisons with commercial brake pad products are necessary to comprehensively evaluate its performance.

Keywords—Areca nut, natural fiber, composite, brake pad, tensile testing, wear resistance.