Erosion Wear Response of Glass-Epoxy Composites Filled with Pistachio Shell Particles

Abstract

This study investigates the role of incorporating micro-sized pistachio shell particles on the erosion behaviour of glass-epoxy composites. High temperature solid particle erosion tests are conducted by varying impingement angle (30° , 60° , 75°, and 90°), impact velocity (48, 72, 84, and 110 m/s) and erodent temperature (30, 50, 70 and 90 °C) on these hybrid composites with different filler content (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%). This is done using an air jet erosion test rig as per ASTM G76 standards. A Taguchi's approach is used to determine the optimal parameter combination for minimum erosion rate. The measured data and signal-to-noise ratios are also analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The test results reveal that impact velocity followed by filler content, impingement angle and stand-off distance are the major contributing factors affecting the erosion rate of the composites. A regression model is constructed based on the input and output parameters and is found reasonably accurate in predicting the erosion rate by confirmation experiment. The probable wear mechanisms are identified using scanning electron microscopy of the eroded composite surfaces.