Development and Study of Erosion Characteristics of Epoxy Composites Filled with Zirconium Dioxide

The basic aim of the project was the fabrication Epoxy-ZiO2 composite and study of its mechanical properties like tensile strength and micro-hardness and its erosion Wear characteristics in order to achieve knowledge about the method of material removal and significant factors involved in the erosion of the composite. A full understanding of the effects of all system variables on the wear rate is necessary in order to undertake appropriate steps in the design of machine or structural component and in the choice of materials to reduce wear. Interest in this area is commensurate with the increasing utilization of composites in aerospace, transportation and process industries, in which they can be subjected to multiple solid or liquid particle impact. Examples of these applications are pipe lines carrying sand slurries in petroleum refining, helicopter rotor blades pump impeller blades, high speed vehicles and aircrafts operating in desert environments, water turbines, aircraft engines, missile components, canopies, wind screens and outer space applications. Taguchi design will be implemented to determine the erosion wear significant factors involved and their other of hierarchy.