Eco-Sustainable Walnut–Hemp Reinforced Composites for Automotive Brake Applications

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 439 448
    By

    Mitali B. Gore,

  • Ajit A. Bhosale,

  • Deepak S. Watvisave,

  • Ravikant K. Nanwatkar,

  1. Research Scholar and Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Zeal College of Engineering and Research, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MKSSS’s Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune 52, Maharashtra, India, Pune 52, Maharashtra, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MKSSS’s Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune 52, Maharashtra, India, Pune 52, Maharashtra, India
  4. Assistant Professor, 4Department of Mechanical Engineering, STES’s NBNSTIC, Ambegaon, Savitribai Phule Pune University Pune-41, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The search for natural fiber-reinforced composites that can be used instead of manmade materials has been sparked by the growing need for eco-friendly materials in car brake systems. The study looks at three types of Walnut–Hemp Reinforced Friction Composites (WFRCs): WFRC-1, which is 10% walnut and 20% hemp; WFRC-2, which is 15% walnut and 15% hemp; and WFRC-3, which is 20% walnut and 10% hemp. Aspects like tensile strength, compressive strength, density, and hardness were tested using ASTM and ISO standards. It turns out that the qualities change a lot based on how much walnut and hemp are used. The least dense material was WFRC-1, which had a modest compressive strength and was good for lightweight brake uses. WFRC-2 was the hardest and had the biggest population. On the other hand, WFRC-3 had more walnuts in it, which made it stronger and more evenly hard, which made it great for stopping under heavy loads. Among all the WFRC types, the standard Walnut–Hemp blend had the highest total mechanical strength. It looked like the materials might be good at keeping their shape when heated up, but they need to be tested more to see how well they work in real-life stopping situations where they are worn down and heat is made. As this study shows, walnut-hemp blend composites might be a better choice for the environment than manufactured friction materials.

Keywords: Brake applications, friction materials, hemp fiber, mechanical characterization, natural fiber composites, walnut shell.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Mitali B. Gore, Ajit A. Bhosale, Deepak S. Watvisave, Ravikant K. Nanwatkar. Eco-Sustainable Walnut–Hemp Reinforced Composites for Automotive Brake Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):439-448.
How to cite this URL:
Mitali B. Gore, Ajit A. Bhosale, Deepak S. Watvisave, Ravikant K. Nanwatkar. Eco-Sustainable Walnut–Hemp Reinforced Composites for Automotive Brake Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):439-448. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=237839


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Special Issue 01
Received 23/02/2026
Accepted 28/02/2026
Published 08/03/2026
Publication Time 13 Days
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