Development, Characterization and Solid Particle Erosion Response of Polyester based Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Due to the improved performance characteristics of polymers and their composites in regard to solid particle erosion, they find industrial and structural applications to a large extent. However, addition of particulate filler materials in polymer composites has shown improvement in erosion resistance and so has lately been a subject of considerable interest. Specific fillers (additives) are added to enhance and modify the quality of composites as these are found to play a major role in determining the physical properties and erosive behaviour of the composites. Although incorporation of both particles and fibres in polymer could provide a synergism in terms of improved properties and performance, it has not been adequately explored so far. Such multi-component composites consisting of a matrix phase reinforced with a fibre and filled with particulate matters are termed as hybrid composites.