Erosion wear resistance of graphite/epoxy resin coating under strong windblown sand and grit flow

• Published in: Wear Vol. 564-565; p. 205700
• Main Authors: Zhang, Kai, Yu, Yonghui, Zhao, Haitao, Yang, Bo, Guo, Aojun, Zhang, Hailong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.03.2025
• Subjects: Coating; Erosion mechanism; Erosion performance; Windblown sand and grit flow; Model; Erosion performance; Windblown sand and grit flow; Coating; Erosion mechanism
• ISSN: 0043-1648
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2024.205700

Coating protection offers a solution to corrosion problems experienced by steel structures. However, when confronted with robust Gobi winds, these coatings are susceptible to erosion caused by windblown sand and grit flow (WSGF), which compromises their protective performance and durability. To address this issue, in this study, we explored the resilience of a specially formulated graphite/epoxy resin coating subjected to rigorous airflow–sand jetting tests to gauge its erosion resistance against WSGF. A clear pattern emerged from the findings: an escalation in the WSGF velocity and grit flux directly correlated with an increase in the erosion rate of the coating, with the pinnacle of erosion occurring conspicuously at a WSGF attack angle of 45°. Seeking a deeper understanding of the erosion mechanics at play, we conducted a meticulous analysis employing a stereo microscope to scrutinize the nuanced microlevel erosion damage and juxtapose it with macrolevel manifestations. The initial observational journey revealed a distinctive pattern: at low WSGF impact angles, the coating predominantly sustained damage in the form of cutting; in contrast, as the WSGF attack angle broadened, the damage morphed into erosion pits and furrows, with notably more severe erosion emanating from larger grit particles under strong-wind scenarios. To augment this research, a predictive model for estimating the erosion rate of coatings on steel structure subject to WSGF was developed and validated for its reliability and applicability. •The erosion performance of graphite/epoxy resin coating under strong windblown sand and grit flow was studied.•The erosion rate of large particle size interval is larger than that of small particle size.•The erosion mechanism of graphitic/epoxy resin with different particle size was analyzed.•The erosion model of graphite/epoxy resin under strong windblown sand and grit flow was established.