Study of the microhardness and erosive wear behavior of organo-modified nanoclay filled glass-epoxy composites and optimization

Abstract

This research concentrates on examination and optimization of microhardness and erosion resistance of epoxy-glass-nanoclay composites (EGCN’s). The parameters considered were the weight content of Cloisite 15A (A), the volume of glass fiber (B), and the direction of glass fibers (C). Hand lay-up technique was used to make the composites and tested for microhardness and erosive wear as per ASTM standards. The L9 orthogonal array was utilized to design the microhardness tests and erosive wear test, and it was noted that the composite with high clay content, low fiber volume, and 45° orientation had shown low erosion rate (Er) even though its hardness was lesser than the optimized value. At the optimum composition corresponding to the lowest Er, further erosion studies were conducted with the L18 orthogonal array for optimizing machine testing parameters. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to explain the effect of each parameter on the output. This research gives a thought regarding the consolidated effect of A, B, and C on the erosion resistance of the EGCN’s and the effect of testing parameters.