The Influence of the Composition and Size of the Fractions of the Composite Gravel Filler With an Epoxy Matrix on Its Wear

Abstract

The widespread use of polymer-based composite materials made it possible to replace expensive metal alloys, increase the strength indicators of structures and improve tribotechnical properties. Their use as protective coatings for structural elements operating in an abrasive environment has yielded good results in increasing wear resistance, which is especially important for parts of tillage tools. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in studying the influence of the composition and size of the fractions of the composite gravel filler with an epoxy matrix on its wear. (Materials and мethods) The article considers five composite materials with different compositions. The prototypes were hollow cylinders with dimensions that provide the contact area necessary for the passage of all processes of abrasive wear. The abrasive composition consisted of a mixture of sand and gravel with a fraction size of about 30-40 millimeters. (Results and discussion) The changes in the wear over time are directly proportional and this confirms the classical views on the wear process. The experiments was conducted on the installation of authors’ design. (Conclusions) The wear over time for experimental composites is the same and is expressed in a straight- line relationship; the maximum wear resistance is a composite in which gravel particles have a size of 2.25 millimeters with its content in the matrix of about 60 mass parts. At the same time, gravel with an effective diameter of 2.25 millimeters creates optimal conditions for self-organization of the wear process and provides a relatively low value of the friction coefficient.