Abrasion tests on plastics, elastomers and ferrous metals

Abstract

A laboratory abrasion test, designed to simulate conditions existing in agriculture, has been used to measure the abrasion resistance of heat-treated steels, cast irons, thermoplastics and elastomers. A brief description of the rig and procedure is followed by a more detailed description of the materials tested. Results of the tests are given in terms of volume loss due to abrasion in relation to abrasive speed. Since the abrasive is contained in a rotating drum the load on the test specimen is greater than would occur if the test was linear. It is suggested that with a test of this type, using loose abrasive, hardness of the material tested may be of less importance in reducing wear loss than is the case with abrasion tests where the abrasive is bonded to, or backed by, a rigid substrate.