Investigation of corrosive wear behaviours of alumina reinforced basalt/epoxy composites

In our thesis study; The effects of Alumina (Al2O3) addition to Basalt/Epoxy nanocomposites on their mechanical and tribological properties by exposing them to corrosive environments were examined. Basalt/Epoxy nanocomposite was produced by the hand lay-up method in 17 layers, approximately 3 mm apart, without adding to the matrix material and by adding 2.5% by mass of 18 nanometer nearly spherical gamma Alumina powder into the matrix material. Pin on disc abrasion, 3 Point bending and tensile tests of pure and unconditioned basalt/epoxy nanocomposites were carried out at 25 degrees room temperature on test devices in accordance with ASTM standards. Wear resistance was performed in the pin on disc wear test device using chrome steel ball with 62 HRC hardness, 60 mm diameter at 1 m/s speed and 10-15 N loads. To examine the effect of corrosive environments on alumina-doped and undoped Basact/Epoxy nanocomposites, they were subjected to aging in 2.5% diluted hydrochloric acid and 3% sea water environments for 0-1-2-3-5 months. While determining the mechanical properties of alumina-doped and undoped nanocomposites, moisture absorption was also measured. The damages occurring in the samples subjected to 3-point bending, tensile and abrasion tests, the degradation in the samples aged after being exposed to salt water and diluted hydrochloric acid water environments, and the degrading effects of corrosive environments on the nanocomposite fiber and matrix were examined with an SEM microscope and images were taken. Strengthening the interface bonds of the Alumina (Al2O3) matrix and fiber added to the Basalt/Epoxy nanocomposite matrix has provided promising increases in tensile strength, bending and elongation properties. It has been observed that alumina-doped basalt nanocomposites have higher wear resistance and less wear compared to undoped nanocomposites. Adding to basalt nanocomposites with low wear resistance, Alimina nanocomposites, which also have high wear resistance, increased the wear resistance by delaying the wear. Again, as seen in the tensile and flexural tests, the addition of Alumina to the matrix material strengthened the bond structure and increased its mechanical properties.