A study on the effect of nanoclay addition on the erosion wear characteristics of S-glass/sisal reinforced hybrid polymer composites

This study investigated the erosion wear behaviors of S-glass (G) and sisal (S) fibers reinforced with nanoclay (NC). Samples were fabricated using epoxy and polyester matrices through a hand lay-up process, consisting of four fiber layers (GSSG) with varying NC weight percentages (2, 4, 6 wt.%). Tests were conducted at room temperature using angular-shaped silica sand erodents impacting at 148 m/s at angles of 30°, 60°, and 90°. The results showed that erosion wear was highest at a 60° impact angle, indicating a semi-ductile nature of the composites. The hybrid NC polymer composite with 2 wt.% NC exhibited the highest erosion wear resistance at a 90° impingement angle. A significant reduction in wear rate was observed at 2 wt.% NC, with a 43% decrease in Polyester/GSSG and an 18% decrease in Epoxy/GSSG when comparing 60° and 90° impact angles. Polyester-reinforced composites demonstrated superior wear resistance compared to epoxy-reinforced ones. SEM analysis of the eroded surfaces revealed the wear mechanisms involved. These composites are anticipated to be used as high-speed machinery or aggressive environments, enhancing resistance to erosion wear.