The development and evaluation of brake pads using groundnut shell (GS) particles as substitute material for asbestos were carried out in this study. This was with a view to harnessing the properties of GS, which is largely deposited as waste, and in replacing asbestos which is carcinogenic in nature despite its good tribological and mechanical properties. Two sets of composite material were developed using varying particle sizes of GS as filler material, with phenolic resin as binder with percentage compositions of 45% and 50% respectively. Results obtained indicate that the compressive strength and density increase as the sieve size of the filler material decreases, while water and oil absorption rates increase with an increase in sieve size of GS particle. This study also indicates that the cost of producing brake pad can be reduced by 19.14 percent if GS is use as filler material in producing brake pad. The results when compared with those of asbestos and industrial waste showed that GS particle can be used as an effective replacement for asbestos in producing automobile brake pad. Unlike asbestos, GS-based brake pads are environmental friendly, biodegradable and cost effective.
