Title: Water and Oil Absorption Behaviour of Sustainable Brake Pad Composites with Cow Hoof and Bamboo Fillers
Authors: Nwosu P. C., Mbuka-Nwosu I. E..
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 19-27
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
This research explores the water and oil absorption behaviour of eco-friendly automobile brake pad composites produced with cow hoof and bamboo fibres as sustainable fillers. The composites were fabricated with varying ratios of the fillers, bonded with phenolic resin, and tested for water and oil absorption in accordance with ASTM standards. Findings revealed that the absorption behaviour was strongly dependent on the filler composition and immersion duration. Composites with higher bamboo content showed greater water absorption, attributed to the hydrophilic nature of bamboo fibres. Conversely, samples with higher proportions of cow hoof recorded lower oil absorption, indicating stronger resistance to petroleum-based fluids. These results highlight how the selection of filler ratios significantly influences fluid interaction properties of the composites. Overall, the study demonstrates that brake pads formulated with cow hoof and bamboo fibres present a viable, environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional asbestos-based brake pads.