This study deals with the use of kenaf (Hibiscus canabinus) fibre as a base friction material in the production of automotive brake pads. Asbestos fibre has been used as the traditional base material in brake pads but due to its health hazard, non-renewability, cost, non-biodegradability and difficulty in processing, the use of plant fibres that are biodegradable, cost effective, renewable and user friendly for brake pad production has been investigated in this work. In order to assess the suitability of kenaf fibre in the production of automotive brake pads, kenaf stems of 20 m thick were cut at the base, middle and top sections of the plant and were examined under a camera fitted optical light microscope with a stage micrometer. The fibres were retted, bleached and modified using mercerization, acetylation and semi-carbonisation techniques to obtain three modified fibres in addition to the crude fibre.Brake Pads were Produced from these samples and were evaluated, the performance evaluation results indicated that the crude fibre based kenaf brake pads have high percentage of porosity and water absorption capacity with an average value of 38 % and 0.067 g respectively."

This book is about a recent study that was carried out in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Taraba State College of Agriculture, Jalingo Nigeria. It was carried out by using wind vane to measure the wind direction, the cup anemometer to measure the wind speed (m/s). An inverter to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and 83 series digital multi-meter to measure the voltage generated by the wind electricity generating plant. The result obtained shows that, as the wind speed increases, the voltage generated also increases, also the power generated. The highest wind speed was recorded in the month of May, 2008 with an average value 14.49 (m/s), also the highest power generated was recorded in the month of May, 2008 with an average value of 10.64 (watts). The least voltage (V) generated was recorded in the month of June, 2008 with average value of 55.9 (V). Also the least power generated was recorded in the month of June, 2008 with an average value of 6.344 (watts). All materials used in this book were locally sourced and utilised.I therefore recommend it for students of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering