Influence of Al2O3 Filler on Slurry Erosion Behavior of Glass/Epoxy Composites

Abstract

In the present study, slurry erosion behavior of glass/epoxy composites incorporated with alumina fillers was investigated. Glass/epoxy composites were incorporated with 5%, 10% and 15% alumina fillers, in addition unfilled composites were used in the study. Slurry pot erosion test was conducted on the samples. Slurry concentration, contact angle and speed were considered as the parameters. Abrasive slurry used in the study includes sand particles in the range of 170μm to 250μm suspended in the tap water. Tests were conducted in accordance L27 orthogonal array for obtaining the results in a systematic manner. ANOVA was used to study the contribution of individual parameters and regression equations were developed to predict the response. The results reveal that slurry erosion was found to be increased with increase slurry concentration and turning speed. The increase in contact angle had resulted in the increase of erosion till it reaches 60°, further increase in contact angle leads to the drop of erosion volume revealing semiductile nature of composites. ANOVA analysis had illustrated that slurry erosion and angle are the significant influencing factors on the response, contribution of speed was less significant. The present regression models were validated with the experimental results and found to be feasible.