Experimental Analysis of Effect of TiC + TiB2 Particles on Mechanical Properties, Wear, and Erosion Behavior of Epoxy/Glass Fiber

This study aims to synthesize TiC + TiB2 reinforced epoxy/glass fiber composites to enhance mechanical properties and resistance to wear and erosion. For this purpose, TiC + TiB2 particles were added to the epoxy matrix in contents of 0, 2.5, 5, 12.5, and 20 wt.%, and the composites were then created through the hand-layout technique. The mechanical, wear, and erosion properties were eventually analyzed. The wear mechanisms of samples were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The findings indicated that adding 2.5 wt. % of particles maximized the modulus, increasing the tensile and flexural modulus rates by 26 and 17%, respectively. The hardness also improved when TiC + TiB2 particles were added. In fact, it reached the maximum level (58%) once 12.5 wt.% of particles were added. The wear resistance of the composites increased with the TiC + TiB2 content where adding 20 wt.% of the particles enhanced the abrasion resistance by 86% while lowering the friction coefficient. The erosion resistance was analyzed with a rotating device in an abrasive slurry under different variables such as rotation speed, impact angle, and sand rate. The maximum erosion resistance was observed in a composite sample containing 12.5 wt.% of TiC + TiB2 particles.