Palm slag in previous studies has proven to have the potential to be used as alternative filler in friction composite. However, the reported hardness is still high and not within the proper range and might cause damage to the disc brakes. As is well known, the good damping, soft and flexible nature of rubber, being the main reason for waste tire dust to be selected as an additive to reduce or moderate the hardness of friction palm slag composite. Weight percentage and the filler size of waste tire dust used are the main parameters considered in this research paper. The hardness and wear rate of the friction composite produced are measured. The result revealed that friction composite with ratio of palm slag/waste tire dust (30/10) and the highest filler size (>600 µm) give a moderate hardness with better wear rate which comparable with the commercial brake pad used. Morphological view also give a prove that the worn surface of composite have less wear defects. Overall the used of waste tire dust can improve the hardness and wear rate properties of palm slag friction composites in order to become alternative for non-asbestos brake pads.
