Abrasion resistance

Abrasion Resistance is the ability of a material to resist mechanical action such as rubbing, scraping, or erosion that tends progressively to remove material from its surface. When a product has abrasion resistance, it will resist erosion caused by physical contact or friction.

Overview

Abrasion resistance is a property which allows a material to resist wear. Materials such as metals, plastics, and ceramics tend to have good abrasion resistance. The importance of abrasion resistance lies in the prolonging of wear and tear. It is especially important in the case of materials used in the construction of roads and buildings, and in the manufacturing of engineering components.

Measurement

The measurement of abrasion resistance, often referred to as hardness, is done using a variety of tests, including the Taber Abrasion Test. The results of these tests are used to determine the suitability of a material for a specific application. Abrasion resistance is measured in cycles of abrasion required to remove a certain amount of material.

Factors affecting abrasion resistance

Several factors can affect the abrasion resistance of a material. These include the hardness of the material, the pressure applied to the material, the size and type of the abrasive particles, and the velocity at which the abrasive particles are applied to the material.

Applications

Abrasion-resistant materials find a wide range of applications. They are used in the manufacturing of protective clothing, footwear, and heavy-duty industrial equipment. In the construction industry, they are used in the production of materials such as concrete and asphalt.

See also

• Wear
• Hardness
• Material science
• Engineering