Agro-Waste Reinforced Brake Pads: A Systematic Review of Environmental and Economic Benefits

Abstract

The rising need for environmentally friendly and nonhazardous substitutes for asbestos brake pads has made the use of agro-waste materials such as African oil bean seed pod (AOBSP) and palm fruit fibre (PFF) as potential reinforcements in research to be explored. This review will provide a comprehensive assessment for developing the compressed brake pad using AOBSP and PFF based on their mechanical, tribological, and environmental properties. Systematic literature review methodology was followed, and a Scopus database search was conducted, finding 33 studies between 2010 and 2025. Studies focused on experimental presentations with data on fibre-reinforced brake pad materials, including friction coefficients, wear rates, and mechanical properties. Significant findings show that African oil bean seed pod and palm fruit fibre have comparative properties of friction (0.35–0.45), specific wear rate (0.12–0.25 mm³/Nm), compressive (74.66–148 MPa), and hardness (74–148 MPa). Environmental and economic benefits include biodegradability, 72% lower CO₂ emissions compared to asbestos, and 20–40% cost reductions due to local sourcing. According to FAO and UNIDO data, agro-waste brake pads might reduce global asbestos dependency by 30–35% in emerging nations by 2030, with adoption rates rising by 15% yearly in areas with a surplus of agricultural waste. However, limitations include lower thermal stability and higher water absorption compared to asbestos-based pads. These advancements could further optimize agro-waste-based brake pads for high-performance automotive applications, supporting the transition toward greener manufacturing practices