Development of a Green Vehicle Brake Pad from Mango Fruit Residues

Purpose: This study investigated the viability of using mango fruit residues (seed, peel, and pulp) as a raw material for developing green vehicle brake pads. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study experimentally tested two brake pad samples, namely mango seed, peel, and pulp (MSPP) and mango peel and pulp (MPP), with different raw materials compositions. After that, the samples’ specific wear and Vickers hardness test were investigated to evaluate the effectiveness and durability of the newly developed brake pads. Findings: The study findings indicate that raw materials compositions comprising 35% mango seed, peel, pulp powder, 35% brass powder, 20% magnesium oxide, and 10% epoxy resin is the best for developing green mango brake pads. Also, the specific wear test revealed that the brake pads developed from MSPP showed wear resistance compared to conventional brake pads made from synthetic materials. The hardness test results also demonstrated that the molded brake pads possessed sufficient hardness to ensure effective braking performance. Research Implications/Limitations: This study was limited to laboratory testing and did not account for real-world conditions that could affect the performance and durability of brake pads. This study suggests that the use of mango fruit residues in the manufacture of green vehicle brake pads has the potential to reduce reliance on synthetic materials and promote sustainable practices. Practical Implications: The practical implications of this research suggest that brake pad manufacturers and the automotive industry could benefit from incorporating mango fruit residues into their production processes. This could lead to developing more environmentally friendly brake pads while making good use of waste from agricultural residues. Social Implications: The social implications of this research highlight the potential for creating new economic opportunities for farmers and communities involved in mango cultivation, who may benefit from selling their residues to brake pad manufacturers. Originality/Values: This research's originality lies in using a combination of mango peel and pulp as raw materials for brake pad production, which has not been explored in previous studies. This study offers a unique solution that might tackle the growing concern of environmental degradation and waste production.