Investigation of abrasive erosion of polymers

Abstract

Mechanisms of abrasive erosion for polymers, including polyurethane, styrene-butadiene rubber, nylon-6 and polytetrafluoroethylene, have been investigated using a special abrasive erosion test machine designed by the authors. Based upon some observations of the abraded surfaces of test samples using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the mechanisms of abrasive erosion for the polymers examined could be summarized as follows: a microcutting action of the abrasives with a certain kinetic energy; microdelamination of the surface layer of the materials resulting from initiation and propagation of microcracks; mechanochemical and thermal decomposition of materials; and surface peeling, resulting from plastic fracture expanded from local plastic deformation of the material. The influence of these factors on the wear rate of the abrasive erosion has been studied, and the relevant wear-rate equations are presented.