Investigation on solid particle erosion behavior of date palm leaf fiber- reinforced polyvinyl pyrrolidone composites

Abstract

The present investigation reports about the solid particle erosion behavior of randomly oriented short date palm leaf (DPL) fiber-reinforced polyvinyl pyrrolidone composites. The erosion rates of these composites have been evaluated at different impingement angles (15–90°) and impact velocities (48–109 m/s). The neat polyvinyl pyrrolidone shows maximum erosion rate at 30° impingement angle, whereas, PVA/DPL composites exhibit maximum erosion rate at 45° impingement angle irrespective of fiber loading showing semi-ductile behavior. Erosion efficiency ( η) values (2.83–15.29%) indicate micro-ploughing and micro-cutting as dominant wear mechanisms. The morphology of eroded surfaces was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Possible erosion mechanisms are discussed.