Erosive wear behaviour of carbon fibre/polyetherimide composites under low particle speed

In this study, erosive wear behaviour of unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced polyetherimide (PEI) matrix composites was investigated with regards to the effects of contact speed, contact angles of particles and erosion period under low particle speed. Unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced PEI composites show semi-ductile behaviour under low speed erosive studies. Highest wear rates were investigated at 45° for 1.96 m/s and 50–55° for 2.88 m/s. Higher particle speed was found to be given higher wear rates at higher peak contact angles compared to lower particle speed. Erosive wear rates and the surface roughness have a close relationship with the contact angle of the erodent and speed. Higher particle speed resulted in rougher surface as a result of severe fibre breakage and matrix erosion.