Unveiling optimisation of the manufacturing parameters of brake pad formulation developed from silver nanoparticle modified carbon nanotubes from rice husks

This experiment used carbon nanotubes derived from rice husks modified with silver nanoparticles derived from cashew leaves as substitutes for frictional material to make automobile brake pads. Taguchi-grey (GRA) multi-response analysis was experimentally used to assess the effects of the manufacturing parameter. The multi-response variables chosen were the wear rate, hardness values, and thermal conductivity. The findings show an optimal point of 1.5 wt% carbon nanotube derived from rice husk modified with 0.5AgNPs, curing temperature of 100 °C, a moulding pressure of 20 MPa, and a 5-h curing time with a wear rate of 2.15mg/m, thermal conductivity of 0.214 W%/mK, and hardness values of 125 HRB. The predicted GRA was quite close to the experimental GRA at a 95% confidence level. The frictional properties obtained for the developed brake pad system are within industry standards. It can be established that silver nanoparticle–modified carbon nanotubes derived from biomass rice husk can be used in the production of medium-friction brake pads using the optimal processing parameters.