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This study aims to compare the friction and wear performance of commercial brake pads for four wheelers among metallic, semimetallic and non-asbestos organic (NAO) formulations to identify one with the right combination of properties for optimal performance.

Three commercially available brake pads for four-wheeler automotive applications were acquired. Samples were cut from the brake pads to study their physical and mechanical properties. The effects of friction and wear were analyzed using a pin-on-disk tribotester. Surface morphology on the worn-out surface of the brake pads was studied.

It was observed that the frictional properties remained stable and less fluctuating in the semimetallic and NAO pads, whereas the coefficient of friction of all the pads varied between 0.35 and 0.55. The wear rate of the metallic pads is less than that of NAO and semimetallic pads. The surface morphology studies revealed that the metallic pads contained more primary plateaus and smaller amounts of secondary plateaus compared to semimetallic and NAO pads, resulting in better wear resistance characteristics.

Because the market is flooded with various options for brake pad materials, it is imperative that the vehicle manufacturers choose the right pad material with great care not only to ensure the optimal functioning of the braking system but also passenger safety. Mechanical and tribological properties of brake pads contribute greatly to their effectiveness. There is a requirement to choose the proper material for a certain application that has a consistent friction coefficient and reduced wear.