Evaluation of Slurry-Eroded Rubber Surface Using Gloss Measurement

Abstract

Slurry erosion testing is essential for evaluating the durability of materials under erosive conditions. This study examines the slurry erosion behaviours of chloroprene rubber (CR) under varying impact conditions to assess its durability. Traditional mass loss methods and qualitative techniques, including microscopy, SEM, and AFM, were employed to analyse eroded CR samples. Results indicate that cumulative material loss in CR increases linearly with sand impingement after approximately 60 kg of sand and correlates with an impact energy of about 30 kJ. The highest erosion rate was found at an impact angle of 15°. Erosion mechanisms vary with impact angle, affecting surface topography from cutting and ploughing at lower angles to deformation and crater formation at higher angles. Despite their efficacy, these methods are time-intensive and costly. This paper presents a novel approach utilising gloss measurement for continuous, non-destructive monitoring of eroded rubber surfaces. Gloss measurements are 24 times faster than traditional mass loss methods. Correlating gloss values with cumulative material loss, steady-state erosion, and impact energy offers significant time savings and an enhanced understanding of the erosion process. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of gloss measurement as a reliable tool in slurry erosion testing of rubbers. The quantitative output from gloss measurements could support proactive maintenance strategies to extend service life and optimise operational efficiency in industrial applications, particularly in the mining industry.