Abrasion testing

Abrasion tests are designed to evaluate the resistance of a material or coating to wear caused by friction, scraping, or repetitive scratching. These tests are crucial for determining the durability and performance of materials in applications where they are exposed to conditions that can cause wear.

Objective of Abrasion Tests

• Evaluate Durability:

Determine how a material or coating behaves under mechanical wear.

• Material Quality:

Ensure that materials meet the standards for wear resistance for their specific application.

• Improve Material Development:

Assist in the development and selection of materials that require high abrasion resistance.

Main Methods of Abrasion Testing

1. Taber Abrasion Test:

• Objective

Evaluate the abrasion resistance of flat materials such as plastics, paints, coatings, textiles, leather, etc.

• Procedure:

A sample is placed on a rotating disk. Abrasive wheels (calibrated loads) are pressed against the surface of the sample while the disk rotates. The loss of weight, change in thickness, or appearance of the surface is measured after a predetermined number of cycles.

• Standards:

ASTM D4060, ISO 5470-1.

2. Sand Abrasion Test (Falling Sand Abrasion):

• Objective

Determine the abrasion resistance of coatings and other materials through the impact of abrasive particles.

• Procedure

Determine the abrasion resistance of coatings and other materials through the impact of abrasive particles.

• Standards:

ASTM D968, ISO 7784-2.

3. Crockmeter Abrasion Test:

• Objective

Evaluate the abrasion resistance of textile materials and coatings on flexible surfaces.

• Procedure

An arm with an abrasive pad moves back and forth over the sample at a controlled speed and pressure. The change in appearance or integrity of the material is evaluated after a specified number of cycles.

• Standards:

ASTM D4966, ISO 105-X12.

4. Water Jet Abrasion Test:

• Objective

Evaluate the resistance of coatings and materials to abrasion caused by high-pressure water jets.

• Procedure

A high-pressure water jet is directed onto the sample for a specified period. Material loss or surface damage to the sample is assessed.