Abstract. Brake pads are a crucial component of brake parts, especially for motor vehicles. Regulations restricting the use of asbestos have prompted researchers to seek alternatives. In this study, brake pads will be made using biomass waste from sawdust obtained from the activities of furniture MSMEs in the Bangkinang area, Kampar, Riau. The utilization of this biomass waste is intended to minimize waste volume and provide an alternative raw material and production process for brake pads that are low-cost and abundantly available. In this study, brake pads are made with a mixture of sawdust filler matrix and epoxy resin reinforcement matrix. Next, the brake pad samples will be tested for physical characteristics in the form of density and water absorption. Mechanical strength is tested through a bending test using the Universal testing test. Brake pad performance will be tested through wear test values. The results of the test on physical and mechanical properties obtained a density of 0.73 g/cm3, a maximum bending load of 452.67 N, a flexural strength of 187.97 MPa, and an elastic modulus of 184.69 MPa. The physical characteristics of this composite show that sawdust can be an alternative raw material for brake pads that is cheap and abundantly available, thus supporting environmental sustainability.
