The Influence of Silicon Carbide Powders on the Enhancement of the Wear Resistance of Epoxy Resin

In order to improve wear properties of thermosetting resins, potential solutions are the reduction of the adhesion between the counterparts and the improvement of their hardness, stiffness and compressive strength. These goals can be achieved with success by using appropriate inorganic fillers. Concerning this, the present work shows the possibility to increase the abrasive wear resistance of an epoxy resin filled with hard powder. The filling is made by silicon carbide powders in different content and with different particle sizes. Abrasive tests, performed by means of a pin on disc apparatus, highlight that the wear of plain and reinforced resins increases both with the contact pressure between the counterparts and the counterface roughness. Moreover, the wear resistance of the filled resins increases with the increase of content and dimensions of the filling particles.