Metallurgy

Materials science

Graphite

Analytic hierarchy process

Composite number

Composite material

Tribology

Brake

Fiber

Physics

Operations research

Mathematics

Disc brake

Automotive industry

Kevlar

Brake pad

Thermodynamics

Polymer Composites

In this article, hybrid analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) approach was proposed to optimize automotive brake friction materials. Sixteen formulations based on phenolic resin, barium sulfate, Kevlar fiber, Lapinus fiber, multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), nanoclay and graphite were formulated and evaluated for tribological properties. The tribo‐evaluation parameters such as coefficient of friction, friction‐fluctuations, friction‐variability, friction‐fade, wear, friction‐recovery, friction‐stability and disc temperature rise were considered as criterion for the performance optimization. The optimization of formulations was carry out in two steps: (1) finding the weight of each criterion by AHP method and (2) ranking the formulations with COPRAS method. The AHP‐COPRAS results show that the formulation of 50 wt% barium sulfate, 15 wt% phenolic resin, 2.5 wt% graphite, 5 wt% Kevlar fiber, 25 wt% Lapinus fiber with 2.5 wt% MWCNT exhibits the optimal tribological properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1602–1608, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Application of hybrid analytical hierarchy process and complex proportional assessment approach for optimal design of brake friction materials