The effect of quenching temperature on the sandblasting erosion behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate) glass

Southern Algeria is characterized by a harsh climate due to erosion by sandstorms. The characteristics of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) allow it to replace mineral glasses and improve its performance. The surfaces of eroded PMMA objects have altered optical and mechanical properties. The purpose of this study is to improve the hardness and erosion resistance of PMMA by the annealing and quenching process. The PMMA samples before being eroded at different impact angles were treated by two different heat treatments; namely: an annealing which represents the reference state followed by a quenching from Tg + 15 & DEG;C to different temperatures below Tg. Erosion resistance was found to be improved by the quenching process and contributing to the increase in optical transmission of PMMA samples tested at different impact angles. The most pronounced effect of quenching was observed for the impact angle 45 & DEG; at a temperature of 20 & DEG;C by inducing the improvement of Vickers hardness (21.8 HV) which can be linked to the relaxation mode & beta; around this temperature.