Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS, cilt.12, sa.5, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
In this study, the effects of polytetrafluoroethylene particles as a reinforcement in epoxy matrix on solid particle erosion behavior were characterized. Additionally, the effects of aging in seawater on the erosion characteristics of the composites were investigated. The test composites were produced using the open mold method with particle weight fractions of 10%, 20%, and 30%. They were exposed to the aging environment in seawater for two different durations of 1 week and 1 month. Erosive wear tests were conducted with garnet erodent at impingement angles of 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees. Epoxy and its composites exhibited ductile erosion behavior with maximum erosion rates at 30 degrees. The erosion efficiencies were below 1%, supporting this micro-mechanism. PTFE particle reinforcement increased the erosion rate, and this negative effect was sustained in proportion to the filler loading. The erosion rate of the composite with the highest weight fraction was 33% higher than that of neat epoxy. Aging in seawater had no notable effect on the erosion resistance. Surface topographies were generated using profilometer, and the surface parameters were correlated with erosion rates. Morphological analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, and erosion mechanisms were discussed. There is potential for the developed epoxy composites to be used as coatings in environments where seawater exposure will be effective.