WEAR RESISTANCE PROPERTIES OF EPOXY ALUMINIUM MICROPARTICLE COMPOSITE
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Proceedings on Engineering Sciences, University of Kragujevac
Abstract
Present priority of light materials for enhancing automobile safety and fuel efficiency creates a
premise for developing new materials with optimum combination of lightness and better or comparative
properties to replace existing heavy alloys for transportation applications. Previous authors’ study reveals
development of epoxy aluminium composite with investigation of mechanical properties and its targeted
application as an automobile bumper but the wear resistance of the composite has not been reported. This
study investigates wear resistance properties of epoxy containing 10% by weight of aluminium
microparticles. The composite was produced from epoxy resin (MAX 1618 A) cured with hardener (MAX
1618 B) at 2:1 volume mix ratio through in-situ polymerisation. Firstly, wear rates (volume loss per unit
time) were measured as a function of the applied load. Then, the wear rates (mass loss per sliding distance)
were examined as a function of the applied load, velocity and % weight of aluminium particles. Worn-out
surfaces of examined samples were tracked morphologically. Result obtained indicated that the applied
load, sliding speed and percentage by weight are all significant factors influencing the wear resistance of
the epoxy composites with the model, P value of 0.049≤0.05. The sliding velocity of β value = 0.011
contributed to increase in the wear rate than the applied load having lower β value (0.001). Addition of
aluminium particles (β value = -0.003) to the epoxy lowered the wear rate. This implies that an increase in
the wt% of aluminium particle added to the epoxy enhances the wear resistance of the composites. SEM
study affirms the wear mechanism by crack nucleation which is characterised with continual propagation,
deflection and pining. A greater damage observed on the surface of epoxy polymer justifies its higher wear
rates in comparison with those of the composite.