Solid particle erosion behaviour of various polyaryletherketone composites

The solid particle erosion behaviour of various polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) and their short fibre reinforced composites has been characterised. The erosion rates (ERs) of these composites have been evaluated at different impingement angles and impact velocities. Silica sand particles of size ranging between 150 and 212 mum were used as erodent. Neat polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and 20% glass fibre (GF) reinforced PEEK showed peak erosion at 30degrees impingement angle whereas other PAEK matrix and their composites showed peak erosion at 60degrees impingement angle. The ketone/ether ratios among the selected polyaryletherketones showed significant influence on erosion behaviour at different impingement velocity and mass of erodent. Better correlation was observed between steady-state erosion rate and relevant mechanical properties. The morphology of erodent surfaces was examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Possible erosion mechanisms are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.