Effect of Organic Powders on Surface Quality in Abrasive Blasting Process

Abstract

Abrasive blasting, sometimes known as sandblasting, is a method used to change the surface condition of materials, clean surfaces, and prepare surfaces for applications such as paint, bonding, coating, etc. The abrasive materials used in abrasive blasting are applied to the surface with compressed air or water and vary according to the purpose of application. The abrasive materials used have negative effects on the environment and human health. So far, organic materials have been used in limited applications in abrasive blasting. However, these materials have a high potential of usage since they are environmentally friendly, safe for human health, and have non-toxic and sustainable properties. In this study, the usability of three different organic wastes (walnut shell, olive pomace and mussel shell) recovered by recycling in abrasive blasting was investigated. In addition, the effect of blasting distance (5, 10 and 15 mm), blasting time (10, 20 and 30 s), powder type (mussel shell, olive pomace and walnut shell) and grain size (38, 45 and 63 µm) on surface roughness have been investigated using the Taguchi L9 experimental design. Regression models were built using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). Moreover, the surface condition after abrasive blasting was examined using an Al2O3 abrasive and compared with other samples. As a result, 5 mm, 30 s, mussel shell and 45 µm test sets were recommended for “larger is better” and it was determined that the blasting time had the greatest effect on the surface roughness by 50.19%. On the other hand, 10 mm, 20 s, walnut shell and 63 µm test sets were recommended for “smaller is better”, and it was determined that blasting time had the greatest effect on the surface roughness by 39.02%. While there was an increase compared to the surface roughness values before abrasive blasting in the first set of experiments, it was determined that the organic material had a polishing rather than an abrasion effect in the second set of experiments.