Slurry erosion behaviors of basalt filled low density polyethylene composites

In this study, slurry erosion behaviors of basalt filled low density polyethylene composites were investigated. Pure low density polyethylene and four different compositions of the composites 10 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 50 wt.% and 70 wt.% basalt were used in the study. Slurry wear, tensile strain, hardness and fracture toughness tests were performed on the samples. Samples turns in the abraded slurry media including 50 wt.% Al2O3 with nominal particle size of 500 μm and the erosion tests of pure low density polyethylene and basalt filled composites were performed at the contact angles of 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90° for 30 min. in 3 periods at 500 rpm turning speed (1 m/s speed). It was observed that erosion rate have no effect up to 30 wt.% basalt content. Wear resistance of the composites including over 30 wt.% basalt were micro structural examination of the worn samples showed that the basalt particles on the worn surface can be sustained by matrix. Basalt particles were worn more slowly than that of the matrix. The more the basalt content in the basalt filled low density polyethylene resulted to the lower the tensile strength, tensile strain and fracture toughness, and the higher the hardness. The slurry erosion rate of the basalt filled low density polyethylene composites was getting sharply increase above 30 wt.% basalt content above 60° contact angle.

Research highlights
► Basalt-LDPE composite which the basalt particles were well distributed was produced.
► Slurry erosion behavior of the composite was examined with particles contact angles.
► Mechanical behaviors of the composite (tensile and hardness) was examined.