Wet abrasive behavior of composite materials obtained from solid residuals mixed with polymer and ceramic matrix

In this study, the performance of composite materials subjected to wet abrasive wear was analyzed. This research conducted to know the resistance of these materials against this specific wear process. The types of composites used in this study could have useful applications such as coatings to protect mechanical components, including engine pistons, steam generators, and construction materials, such as bricks and shutters. These materials obtained from solid residuals known as “jales” (náhualt word that means sand) and volcanic ashes coming from mines mixed with a polymeric (epoxy and polyester resin) and ceramic (clay) matrix. The materials formed were sand mixed with clay, volcanic ashes mixed with clay, sand with epoxy resin and sand with polyester resin. The abrasion testing performed in accordance with ASTM G105 standard and the samples had a rectangular shape, and their dimensions were 50 mm long×23 mm wide and 10 mm in thickness. Silica sand used as the abrasive particle with a grain size of 212–300 μm and a hardness of 1250 HV and mixed with water to conduct the tests. The amount of abrasive and water in the mix was 1.5 kg and 0.94 kg, respectively. A nominal rubber wheel rotation of 250 rpm (2.28 m/s), a sliding distance of 840 m and a load of 222 N were the parameters used to conduct the tests. The total time for each test was 1500 cycles. The specimen weighed before and after every test to determine the total mass loss. The volume loss (V), wear rates (Q) and wear coefficients (k) obtained after 840 m, although these wear values monitored every 140 m. The surface of the specimens examined with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The wear mechanisms observed commonly on the specimens were parallel deep grooves and plowing and severe cutting action on the surfaces. The results indicated that the composite material that consisted of sand with epoxy resin exhibited the highest resistance to wet abrasion for all the tests. On the other hand, sand mixed with volcanic ashes with clay showed the poorest abrasion resistance.