Influence of Aluminum Oxide Nanofibers Reinforcing Polyethylene Coating on the Abrasive Wear

Abstract

Experiments have been carried out to investigate the abrasive wear of steel specimens coated by polyethylene (PE) coating in a sandy soil. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanofibers were employed as fillers in PE for fabricating the tested composites. The reinforced polyethylene coating has been impregnated by oil. An abrasive wear tester was developed to simulate the abrasion caused by a sandy soil against surfaces subjected to abrasive contaminants. Motion was transmitted to the disc via the drill chuck. The test time was 15 min. Experiments were carried out at 25 °C. Wear was measured by digital balance with an accuracy of ± 0.001 g. Wear and embedment of sand particles were analyzed using optical microscopy after the test. Based on the experimental results, it was found that, the addition of aluminum oxide fibers showed a considerable mitigation in the wear. When oil content increased, the wear decreased. Embedment of the sand particles for the smaller size particles is higher than the larger particles. Increasing of oil content enhanced the embedment of sand particles. The compatibility of Al2O3 nanofibers with PE leads to the inseparability of aluminum oxide due to good adhesion and decreased the wear.