Solid Particle Erosion of Unidirectional GF Reinforced EP Composites with Different Fiber/Matrix Adhesion

Abstract

The influence of interfacial modification and relative fiber orientation (parallel, Pa and perpendicular, Pe) on the solid particle erosion was investigated in unidirectional (UD) reinforced glass fiber (GF) epoxy (EP) composites. The interfacial modification was varied by GF sizing. The erosive wear behavior was studied in a modified sandblasting apparatus at three impact angles (30, 60 and 90). The surface topography of the eroded composites was investigated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a non-contact 3D laser profilometer. The results showed a strong dependence of the erosive wear on the jet angle. The GF/EP systems presented a brittle erosion behavior, with maximum weight loss at 90 impact angle. It was established that good fiber/matrix adhesion improved the resistance to erosive wear. On the other hand, the relative fiber orientation had anegligible effect except the erosion at 30 impact angle. High roughness of the eroded surfaces indicated for high erosion rates, i.e. low resistance to solid particle erosion.