CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITE FOR FOOTREST IN AUTOMOTIVE BRAKE PEDAL

Composite materials are new generation materials and are mostly utilized for its good surface finish, less weight and high strength. In general polymer matrix composites are widely used in automotive applications like brake pads, brake shoes and clutch pedals. In this project the characterization of polymer matrix composite for foot rest in automotive brake pedal is investigated. E-glass fiber, alumina particles and silicon carbide particles are reinforced with phenolic resin is fabricated. The fabrication of polymer matrix composite is done by using hand layup process. The composite materials are fabricated with different alumina and silicon carbide weight fraction. Mechanical tests such as tensile test, hardness, flexural test and impact test were conducted on the specimen. Thus it was found that when the alumina particle is 10% reinforced with phenolic resin shows the better mechanical properties when compared to other compositions. The material exhibits a good property such that it can be used for footrest application in automotive brake pedal.