Mathematical Modelling and Optimization of the Compressive Strength, Hardness and Density of a Periwinkle-Palm Kernel and Phenolic Resin Composite Brake Pad

A composite of periwinkle shell powder, palm kernel shell powder, phenolic resin and other additives was developed in a form of a pad. Specimen composite samples were produced by compression at a temperature of 140 ͦC and mixture design using Design Expert software was used to analyse and optimise the samples. Mathematical models of the compressive stength, hardness and density were developed and statistically validated. Comparison of the models with experimental results showed that the compressive strength suited best with the cubic model, the hardness fitted with quadratic while the density agreed with all the models but suited best with cubic model. Optimized formulation with an objective of maximization compressive strength and hardness and minimization of the density was determined at 10.02, 10.78, 59.20 and 20 % of periwinkle shell powder (filler), palm kernel shell powder (filler), phenolic resin (matrix) and additives respectively.