Processing, Characterization and Wear Response Of Particulate Filled Epoxy Based Hybrid Composites.

Abstract

Solid particle erosion of polymer composites is a complex surface damage process, strongly affected by material properties and operational conditions. The present research work is undertaken to study the development, characterization and erosion wear performance of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites with and without particulate fillers. Attempts have been made to explore the possible use of some industrial wastes such as copper slag and red mud as filler materials in these composites. To make an assessment of their reinforcing potential in terms of wear performance and mechanical properties, two other conventional ceramic fillers such as alumina (Al2O3) and silicon carbide (SiC) are also considered for comparison. The mechanical properties and erosion wear characteristics of bamboo based hybrid composites are compared with those of a similar set of composites reinforced with the most commonly used synthetic fiber (E-glass). A theoretical model has been proposed for estimation of erosion damage caused by solid particle impact on bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The experimental results are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical values. This study indicates that erosion wear performance of bamboo based composites is better than that of the glass fiber reinforced composites. The morphology of eroded surfaces is examined by using scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and possible erosions mechanisms are discussed.