Erodent size effect on the erosion of polyphenylene sulfide composite

The 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.