Role of test parameters and material composition on the erosion behavior of waste marble dust-filled glass-polyester composites

Abstract

It has been known since long that while the reinforcement of synthetic fibers (glass, carbon, etc.) in a polymer is suitable for the enhancement of mechanical properties, their resistance to solid particle erosion deteriorates substantially. To overcome this shortcoming, inclusion of a secondary filler, preferably a hard ceramic powder is normally done. The present paper critically studies this aspect of erosion response of glass-polyester composites with and without a particulate filler. Micro-sized waste marble dust obtained from construction sites involving marble cutting and processing has been used in different proportions as the ceramic particulate filler in this work. The erosion behavior of the hybrid composites is analyzed using Taguchi's L-25 orthogonal array. To obtain a clear idea regarding the relative effects of significant control factors on the erosion behavior of the composites, statistical analysis based on Taguchi method is performed on the test results. The impingement velocity, filler content and striking angle among the control factors are found to have appreciable significance on the erosion rate of the composites. Further, to ascertain the influence of individual control factors, steady-state erosion trials are conducted keeping all other parameters constant. The morphologies of the worn composite surfaces are analyzed in order to get a clear insight into the wear mechanisms.