Solid particle erosion of unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone composites

The solid particle erosion behaviour of unidirectional carbon fibre (CF) reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites has been characterised. The erosion rates of these composites have been evaluated at different impingement angles (15-90) and at three different fibre orientations (0, 45, and 90degrees). The particles used for the erosion measurements were steel balls with diameter of 300-500 mum and impact velocities of 45 and 85 m/s. The unidirectional CF reinforced PEEK composites showed semi-ductile erosion behaviour, with maximum erosion rate at 60degrees impingement angle. The fibre orientations had a significant influence on erosion rate. The morphology of eroded surfaces was examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Possible erosion mechanisms are discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.