Erodent Particle Size Research Articles

Effects of Heat Treatment and Erosion Particle Size on Erosion Resistance of a Hypereutectic High-Chromium Cast Iron

This research addresses the erosive resistance of a hypereutectic high-chromium cast iron subjected to solid particle erosion. The study stems from a specific application of high-chromium cast iron, i.e., the critical surfaces of large industrial fans operating in a cement clinker grinding plant where such damage is a limiting factor for the components’ lifespan. A dedicated experimental investigation on the impact of substrate microstructure and erodent particle size on erosion resistance was set. The experimental campaign, conducted on a dedicated test bench per the ASTM G76 standard, comprised the analysis of the as-received, tempered, and destabilized conditions for the cast iron. From a preliminary image analysis of the microstructural features, two diameters of the erodent powder for the erosion tests were defined. The observed erosion rate decreased with the increase in the mean particle diameter of the erodent, indicating more severe erosive conditions for smaller particles. From the analysis of the worn surfaces, it was possible to highlight the involved mechanisms concerning the considered test combinations. For the as-received condition, the erosion rate with the larger mean particle diameter of the erodent decreased three times compared to the smaller one. For the heat-treated conditions, the erosion rate was halved with the larger mean particle diameter of the erodent. The proposed analysis, intended to acquire more insight into the limiting factor for the components’ lifespan for erosive wear damage, proved that erosion resistance is not dependent on the material’s hardness. The contribution of the mean particle diameter of the erodent is predominant compared to the substrate conditions.

A contrastive characterization of pure Mg and AZ91D alloy based on the testing of mechanical, corrosion, wear, and erosion properties

Abstract Magnesium alloy of grade AZ91D is utilized for a variety of applications in aircraft design and frames, as well as vehicle engine radiators, bumpers, and suspension components to reduce the weight of automobiles. This research compared the mechanical, corrosion, wear, and erosion resistance of pure Mg to that of AZ91 alloy. The corrosion media was NaCl, NaOH, and MgSO4, and the weight loss method was utilised to evaluate corrosion. The pin-on-disc configuration was utilized to assess the dry sliding wear mechanism of the Pure Mg and AZ91D alloy. Pure monolithic Mg and AZ91D magnesium alloy have a low resistance to wear as a result of an increase in contact temperature brought about by a shift of operational conditions. Erosive wear is caused when solid particles in a liquid or air jet strike a surface. Significantly influencing the erosive wear are particle velocity, impact angle, and erodent particle size. In this work, the erosive wear of AZ91D was studied using an Air jet erosion tester. SiO2 was used as the eroding material, and the flow rate of the eroding material and air was 5 gm min−1. The erosive factor experiments are designed using Taguchi orthogonal array (L16). The erosive factor response is erosion rate and primarily regulated by three factors as angle (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°), time (5 and 10 min) and, contact pressure (1 and 2 bar). The results of the experiments showed that the rate of wear increased with increasing pressure, and that the angle of impact of the jet at 60° caused the most wear of any of the tested angles. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that time is the most important factor in determining erosive rate for AZ91D. SEM is used to investigate the structure and morphology of worn-out materials, and its findings are then confirmed.

Study on the slurry erosion wear of polycrystalline diamond compacts for application in fluidic oscillators

Fluidic oscillator made of tungsten carbide, the core component of the fluidic hammer, has a significantly reduced service life under the erosion wear of drilling fluids with solid particles. Polycrystalline diamond composite (PDC) has the potential to solve this issue due to its extremely high hardness and wear resistance benefits. However, few studies on the slurry erosion wear of PDC have been reported. In this paper, a modified slurry erosion experimental device based on submerged abrasive water jets was used to study the erosion resistance of four grades of PDCs with grain sizes of 2–3, 5, 10 and 25 μm respectively. The erosion surface of the damaged PDC was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the erosive mechanism of the PDC was analyzed. The experimental results showed that PDC had excellent slurry erosion resistance. The erosion rate of PDC was 1/192–1/43 of that of tungsten carbide when the jet velocity was 100 m/s. The erosion rates of PDC increased with the rise of jet velocity, impact angle and erodent particle size. In addition, the erosion performance of debris represented by quartz to PDC is greater than that of weighting agents represented by barite and hematite. Further research also showed that PDC with fine grain has greater erosion resistance than PDC with coarse grain, except PDC2 ~ 3. At a high impact angle, the erosive mechanism was forming the craters due to the crushing of diamond grains and the pits due to the overall pullout of diamond grains, while at a low impact angle, the erosive mechanism was ploughing and forming directional craters.

Erosion behavior of laser cladded Colmonoy-6 + 50%WC on SS410 steel under accelerated slurry erosion testing

Erosion due to slurry has an indispensable effect on the lifespan and operating efficiency of hydro machine components. To mitigate this effect, laser cladding may prove as a cost-effective choice to improve the surface properties of various hydro machine components. In this research work, a laser cladding of Colmonoy-6 + 50%WC powder on the surface of SS410 steel was deposited using high-power diode laser at optimized levels of operating parameters. The deposited coating was characterized with regard to different mechanical and metallurgical properties. The effect of various factors such as slurry concentration, erodent particle size, impact velocity, and impact angle on slurry erosion behavior of uncoated and laser cladded substrate was analyzed. The Colmonoy-6 + 50%WC cladded specimens exhibited significantly better slurry erosion resistance in comparison with uncoated SS410 steel specimens under all slurry erosion conditions. Impact velocity was observed to be a maximum contributor to slurry erosion, followed by impact angle, average particle size and slurry concentration. The SEM micrographs of eroded cladded surfaces showed signatures of lip formation & fracture sites, micro-cutting, ploughing, and wear marks at a shallow impact angle in Colmonoy-6 pool, however, for normal impact, the existence of cracks in WC particles were observed.

Effect of micro blasting process parameters on 3D surface topography and surface properties of zirconia (Y‐TZP) ceramics

AbstractThe present study aims to examine the effects of operational parameters on the surface topography and wear mechanisms of monolithic and conventional yttria‐stabilized zirconia (Y‐TZP) ceramics in the micro blasting process, performed under various acceleration pressures (1.5–3 bar), particle impact angles (30°–90°), and erodent particle sizes (50–460 μm). Three‐dimensional (3D) surface topography, surface roughness, and surface morphology of micro‐blasted specimens were analyzed by using non‐contact optical profilometry and SEM‐EDS. The micro blasting characteristics of both Y‐TZP were similar that increased blasting pressure and erodent particle size increased surface roughness. Erosion rate increased with increasing blasting pressure, whereas it decreased with increasing erodent particle size. Particle size was the most effective parameter on changing surface topography, while the particle impact angle had no distinct effect on the erosion rate, surface roughness, and surface topography of Y‐TZP ceramics. SEM‐EDS analyses showed that the primary wear mechanism during micro blasting was micro‐cutting with a substantial amount of embedded particles on the material's surface.

Erosion behavior of hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings with different thicknesses

The main purpose of the study is to explore the usage of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings to enhance slurry erosion (SE) resistance of hydro-machinery components. Although PTFE doesn't have enough hardness, however its hydrophobicity and good impact strength make it an interesting material to evaluate whether these properties could help in developing SE resistance in the parent hydro-machinery materials. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is one of the leading materials for developing hydrophobic surfaces, which has numerous desirable properties like low friction coefficient, chemically neutral, and considerable thermal firmness. Therefore, in the present study, hydrophobic coatings of PTFE having three different thicknesses were produced (by sintering process) on a hydro-machinery steel SS410. The effect of thickness of hydrophobic coatings on the SE was analysed by conducting SE tests on the coated and uncoated steel SS410 with different combinations of operating parameters; namely average erodent particle size, slurry concentration, impingement angle and impact velocity. A relative study of different thickness of PTFE coatings vis-à-vis the bare steel SS410 was also conducted with respect to hydrophobicity. PTFE coating with minimum thickness showed the lowest erosion rate as compared to its counterparts. Moreover, the PTFE coating with minimum thickness showed superhydrophobic behavior with a contact angle of 159°, which might have also imparted the best SE resistance. With regard to SE of all the candidate materials, impact velocity was found to be the most influencing operating parameter.

Correction to: Effect of erosion on corrosion of API X120 steel in relation to erodent particle size

The article Effect of erosion on corrosion of API X120 steel in relation to erodent particle size written by Paul C. Okonkwo et al. was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 27 December 2019 with open access. With the author(s)’ decision to step back from Open Choice, the copyright of the article changed in April 2020 to © China Iron and Steel Research Institute Group 2020, and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of copyright.

Investigation of erosive wear behaviors of AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy

AA6082-T6 aluminum alloys are widely used in various applications in automotive and aircraft industries. They offer an attractive combination of surface properties, strength and corrosion resistance. The structural components manufactured by AA6082-T6 aluminum alloys can be exposed to impingement of solid particles throughout their service life. In this study, erosive wear behaviors of AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy were investigated. For the evaluation of erosive wear induced by solid particle impacts, a detailed study was conducted on AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy by using aluminum oxide (Al2O3) erodent particles. Two different particles were used in solid particle erosion tests, which are 60 mesh (212–300 µm) and 120 mesh (90–125 µm), respectively. Also, the aluminum alloy samples were tested under two different air pressures (1.5 bar and 3 bar). The erosive wear tests were carried out according to ASTM G76 standard at six various impact angles (15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°). The surface roughness and morphology of worn samples were analyzed by using a non-contact laser profilometer. It was found that erodent particle size affected the surface erosion damage, erosion rate, crater morphology and roughness. The eroded surfaces of specimens were analyzed by SEM. The surfaces of specimens were also investigated by using EDS in SEM studies.

Effect of erosion on corrosion of API X120 steel in relation to erodent particle size

The nature of the solid erodent particles present in corrosive petroleum fluid can cause transporting pipeline to experience severe erosion and corrosion damages. The effect of erosion on corrosion behavior of API X120 steel was investigated using aluminum oxide and silicon carbide particles with different sizes as erodent and 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution saturated with carbon dioxide as a corrosive medium. The effect of the erodent particle size on the corrosion behavior of the steel material at different particle speeds and impact angles was investigated using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization and surface analysis techniques. The erosion results confirmed that the material damage increased with increasing particle speed. It was observed that in carbon dioxide-saturated saline solution, deposition of protective iron carbonate film occurred on the steel surface. It was found that the corrosion film can provide better protection at lower particle speed than at higher speed. The ratio of total erosion–corrosion (S)/effect of erosion on corrosion (T) analysis confirmed that at higher S/T ratio, the particle speed and material removal rate are low and vice versa at lower S/T ratio. Lower S/T values for the combined erosion and corrosion tests performed with erodent silicon carbide particle compared to erodent aluminum oxide particle showed that erosion enhancement of corrosion is more evident in the test performed using aluminum oxide particle than using silicon carbide particle. The result also suggests that when subjected to larger size erodent particle, the damage to pipeline due to effect of erosion on corrosion process can be more significant compared to smaller size erodent particle.

Erosive wear characteristics of E‐glass fiber reinforced silica fume and zinc oxide‐filled epoxy resin composites

AbstractIn the present study, the effect of addition of silica fume, also known as microsilica, and zinc oxide fillers on the erosive wear behavior of bidirectional E‐glass fiber‐based epoxy resin composites has been investigated. The amount of silica fume and zinc oxide fillers in the composites was changed in the interval from 0 to 16 wt.%. The erosive wear of the composites has been evaluated at different impingement angles from 20° to 90° and at four different impact velocities of 70, 100, 150, and 200 m/s. The erodent particles used were silicon carbide (SiC) with the average particle sizes of 72 μm, 175 μm, and 348 μm, respectively. The results show that the erosion rate increases with increasing impingement angle, impact velocity, exposure time, and erodent particle size in all the composites. By comparing the two types of fillers, the composites filled with silica fume showed better erosion resistance than those of zinc oxide‐filled composites at the same filler loading. The composite filled with 16 wt.% silica fume presented the best erosion resistant while the highest erosion rate was obtained at the composite filled with 16 wt.% zinc oxide. The morphology of eroded surfaces was examined by using scanning electron microscopy, and possible erosion mechanisms were discussed.

Characterization and Accelerated Erosion Testing of WC-Co-Cr- and CoNiCrAlY-Coated CA6NM Turbine Steel

In the present study, in-depth characterization of the high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF)-spray WC-Co-Cr and CoNiCrAlY coatings deposited on CA6NM turbine steel was done using scanning electron microscope (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), roughness tester, microhardness tester, and optical image analyzer. Further, these coatings were tested under accelerated slurry erosion conditions using a high-speed erosion test rig. The effects of three different parameters related to actual operating conditions, namely erodent velocity relative to target surface, average erodent particle size, and slurry concentration on erosion behavior of these coatings, were investigated. SEM images on the specimen surface taken before and after erosion tests were carefully examined to understand the possible erosion mechanism. The study revealed that HVOF-sprayed WC-Co-Cr coating was found to impart higher erosion resistance in comparison with CoNiCrAlY coating under all the slurry erosion conditions. The reason for this behavior may be attributed to the higher hardness of HVOF-sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr coating in comparison with CoNiCrAlY coating.

Physical, Mechanical, and Erosion Characterization of Palm Leaf Stalk Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites Filled with Palm Leaf Stem Stalk (PLSS) Powder

Palm-epoxy hybrid composites were fabricated by incorporating palm leaf stem stalk (PLSS) powder at levels of 0 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 15 wt%. Physical, mechanical, and erosion characteristics of these composites were investigated. Incorporation of filler powder had a positive effect on the hardness and impact strength and a negative effect on the tensile and flexural strength of the composites. The erosion test varied the impact angle (45° to 90°), impact velocity (40 m/s to 80 m/s), and erodent particle size (40 μm to 100 μm). The erosion experiments were statistically designed using Taguchi’s orthogonal arrays. It was found that the erosion rate of palm-epoxy composites decreased with increasing filler powder content, and that the composite filled with 15 wt% PLSS had the highest erosion resistance. The surface morphology of the eroded samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy.

Slurry erosion performance study of HVFS sprayed Ni-20Al2O3 and Ni-15Al2O3-5TiO2 coatings under hydro accelerated conditions

PurposeThis paper aims to cover all the aspects of development, investigation and analysis phases to evaluate the slurry erosion performance of test coatings. The powders having composition of Ni-20Al2O3 and Ni-15Al2O3-5TiO2 were deposited on CA6NM grade turbine steel by using high velocity flame spray (HVFS) technique. The characterization of the coatings was done with the help of SEM/EDS and XRD techniques. Various properties such as micro-hardness and bonding strength of the coatings were also evaluated. Thereafter, these coatings were subjected to an indigenously developed high speed slurry erosion tester at different levels of rotational speed, erodent particle size and slurry concentration. The effect of these parameters on the erosion behavior of coatings was also evaluated. The slurry erosion tests and SEM of the eroded surfaces revealed remarkable improvement in slurry erosion resistance of Ni-15Al2O3-5TiO2 coating in comparison with Ni-20Al2O3 coating.Design/methodology/approachTwo different compositions of HVFS coating were developed onto CA6NM steel. Subsequently, these coatings were evaluated by means of mechanical and microstructural characterization. Further, slurry erosion testing was done to analyze the erosive wear behavior of developed coatings.FindingsThe coatings were successfully developed by HVFS process. Cross-sectional microscopic analysis of sprayed coatings revealed a continuous and defect-free contact between substrate and coating. Ni-15Al2O3-5TiO2 coating showed higher value of bond strength in comparison with Ni-20Al2O3 coating. Under all the testing conditions, Ni-15Al2O3-5TiO2 coatings showed higher resistance to slurry erosion in comparison with Ni-20Al2O3 coatings. Rotational speed, average particle size of erodent and slurry concentration were found to have proportional effect on specific mass loss of coatings. The mixed behavior (brittle as well as ductile) of the material removal mechanism was observed for the coatings.Originality/valueFrom the literature review, it was found that researchers have documented the various studies on Ni-Al2O3, Ni-TiO2 and Al2O3-TiO2 coatings. No one has ascertained the synergetic effect of Alumina and Titania on the slurry erosion performance of Nickel-based coating. In view of this, the authors have developed Ni-Al2O3 and Ni-Al2O3-TiO2 coatings, and an attempt has been made to compare their mechanical, microstructural and slurry erosion characteristics.

A multiple particle impact model for prediction of erosion in carbon-fiber reinforced composites

Material loss and degradation due to erosion remains a major concern in engineering applications for composite materials. A finite element based model has been developed to predict the erosion behavior of unidirectional carbon fiber-epoxy (CFRP) composites subjected to solid particle impacts. In this model, the CFRP plate is subjected to multiple particle impacts at a velocity of 45 m/s, with steel balls as the erodent particles. The Influence of impact angle, erodent particle stream orientation (parallel and transverse to the fiber direction) and erodent particle size has been studied by varying the impact angle from 15⁰–90⁰ and particle sizes considered are of radii 150 µm, 200 µm and 250 µm. The model captures the influence of the erodent particle to particle impacts and the target surface properties by defining two new ratios, kinetic energy ratio, “ηk” and substrate surface property ratio, “ηs”. The cumulative eroded mass predictions are higher for transverse to fiber impact as compared to parallel to fiber impacts. It is also observed that as the erodent size increases the total eroded mass loss increases at all impact angles. The eroded mass predictions obtained from the numerical model compare favorably with the eroded mass results obtained from experimental data reported in the literature.

Erosion Characteristics of Nanoparticle-Reinforced Polyurethane Coatings on Stainless Steel Substrate

Hydropower generation from the Himalayan rivers in India faces challenge in the form of silt-laden water which can erode the turbine blades and reduce turbine life. To address this issue, polyurethane coatings reinforced with boron carbide (B4C) or silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles on 16Cr-5Ni martensitic stainless steel substrate were used in the present investigation to improve erosion wear resistance in silt erosion conditions. Slurry erosive wear tests were carried out based on ASTM G-73 protocol at various test conditions of impact velocity, impingement angle, and erodent particle size as well as slurry concentrations as determined by the implementation of Taguchi design of experiments. Analysis of variance studies of erosion rate indicated that nanoparticle content in PU material is the single most important parameter, and interaction of impact velocity and impingement angle was also proved to be significant. The coatings with B4C nanoparticles had higher wear resistances than those with SiC nanoparticles due to higher hardness of the former. An interesting finding from the results is that there is an optimum amount of nanoparticles at which mass removal is the minimum. This observation has been explained in terms of surface characteristics of coatings as brought out by a combination of measurements including SEM images as well as roughness measurement.

Effect of Particle Impact Angle, Erodent Particle Size and Acceleration Pressure on the Solid Particle Erosion Behavior of 3003 Aluminum Alloy

This study aims to examine solid particle erosion behavior of 3003 aluminum alloy. 3003 aluminium alloy samples were eroded in specially designed erosion test rig under various particle impingement angles (15°, 30°, 45° and 60°) and acceleration pressures (1,5, 3 and 4 bar) by using 80 mesh and 180 mesh sized erodent particles (garnet).The erosion rates of aluminum alloy samples were calculated depending on the erosion parameters. The erosion rates of the samples have varied dramatically depending of particle impingement angle, acceleration pressure and erodent particle size. The maximum erosion rates were observed at 15° impingement angles at all acceleration pressures and particle sizes. Moreover, erosion rates of the samples were increased with increases in acceleration pressure at all particle impingement angles and particle sizes. On the other hand erosion rates of the samples decreases with increases in erodent particle sizes. Hence, maximum erosion was observed when the aluminum alloy eroded at 15° impingement angle and 4 bar pressure by using 180 mesh erodent particles. Finally, the eroded surfaces of the samples were analyzed by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The surfaces of the samples were also investigated by using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) in SEM studies. Microcutting and microploughing erosion mechanisms were observed at 15° and 30° impingement angles, while deep cavities and valleys formed due to plastic deformation were observed at 45° and 60° impingement angles. Moreover, embedded erodent particles were clearly detected on the surfaces of the samples by EDS analysis.

Solid particle erosion behaviour of Ti6Al4V alloy

The effects of particle impingement angle, impingement velocity and erodent particle size on the erosion rate and surface morphology of the Ti6Al4V alloy have been investigated comprehensively in order to evaluate solid particle erosion behaviour of Ti6Al4V alloy. Samples were eroded in a specially designed sandblasting system under various parameters using alumina (Al2O3) erodent particles. Surface morphology investigations were examined by scanning electron microscope using various analysis and modes (energy dispersive X-ray analysis, elemental mapping and compositional contrast). Ti6Al4V alloy showed ductile behaviour with a maximum erosion rate at 30° impingement angle. Erosion rate of Ti6Al4V alloy increased with increases in velocity and decreased with increases in erodent particle size. Scanning electron microscopy investigations of eroded surfaces of Ti6Al4V alloy samples reveal the dominant erosion mechanism such as microploughing, microcutting and plastic deformation. Embedded erodent particles on the surfaces of Ti6Al4V alloy nearly at all particle impingement angles and velocities were clearly detected.

Air Jet Erosion Wear Behavior of Al6061-SiC-Carbon Fibre Hybrid Composite

Currently, the focus in materials development is on processing of hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs) in particular aluminum (Al) based owing to their flexibility in achieving tailor made properties. Till date, only processing, characterization of mechanical and adhesive wear behavior of various hybrid MMCs have received much attention. However, solid erosion wear of hybrid MMCs has not yet been reported. This assessment will further enlarge the range of applications of hybrid MMCs in particular for components in operation for military applications especially in desert areas. In the light of the above, the present paper discusses the air jet erosion behavior of developed Al6061-SiC-carbon fibre hybrid composite prepared by combination of powder metallurgy and casting process followed by hot extrusion at temperature of 550°C using extrusion ratio of 1:4. The solid sand erodent particle size used was 312 μm while the operating pressure and velocity was maintained at 1.4 bar and 30 m/sec respectively. The adopted feed rate of the sand particles was 2.0 g/min with standoff distance being 10 mm. The sample size was 25 mm x 25 mm x 10 mm. The effect of silicon carbide (SiC), Carbon fibre (Cf), test duration and angle of impingement of the erodent on the erosion wear loss of the developed hybrid composite will be discussed at length.

Parametric Study of Slurry-Erosion of Hydroturbine Steels with and without Detonation Gun Spray Coatings using Taguchi Technique

WC-Co-Cr coatings were deposited on some hydroturbine 13Cr4Ni and 16Cr5Ni steels by the detonation-gun spray process. An in-depth characterization of the as-sprayed coating was done using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Microhardness and porosity measurements were also made. The coating was found to have a typical splat-like morphology with some indications of unmelted carbide particles. The XRD results showed the presence of WC as the primary phase along with W2C and Co6W6C as secondary phases. Furthermore, the slurry erosion behavior of the coatings was investigated to ascertain the usefulness of the coatings to reduce the slurry erosion of the steels. The effect of four operating factors viz. the velocity, impact angle, concentration, and particle size on the slurry erosion of coated and bare steels has been studied using a high-speed jet-type test rig. The sand used as an erodent was collected from a power plant to replicate the actual turbine conditions. It has been observed that the given cermet coating can enhance the erosion resistance of the steel. Velocity was found to be the most significant factor affecting the erosion behavior of the coating, whereas it was the erodent particle size in the case of uncoated steel. As evidenced from the SEM images, the platelet mechanism of erosion seemed to be the prominent one, causing the removal of material from the surface of the steel, whereas for the coating, the formation and interlinking of cracks resulted in the removal of material.

Erodent size effect on the erosion of polyphenylene sulfide composite

AbstractThe effect of erodent particle size on solid particle erosion of randomly oriented short glass fiber and mineral particle reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) was investigated. To examine the effect of erodent size on the erosion resistance of the PPS composite, aluminum oxide particles at three different sizes, namely, 300–425 μm, 150–212 μm, and 45–75 μm, were used. The erosion tests were performed at six different contact angles of 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°, respectively. The results showed a strong relationship between the erodent particle size and erosion rates of PPS composite. Maximum erosion rate for the erodent particles with sizes of 45–75 μm and 150–212 μm occurred at contact angle of 30°, on the other hand maximum erosion rate for particles having 300–425 μm size occurred between 45° and 60°. The morphologies of eroded surfaces were characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Possible erosion mechanisms were discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers