INVESTIGATION OF ABRASIVE AND HYDROEROSIVE WEAR OF DIFFERENT STRUCTURAL METALS AND ALLOYS

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the resistance of various structural materials used in abrasive material production and transportation to abrasive and hydro-erosion wear, with particular attention to mixer blades. The study aims to determine the optimal ratio of material hardness to wear intensity to increase equipment performance before failure. The study found that metal hardness is not the only factor affecting wear resistance. Although Hardox 500 TUF has the highest hardness (512 HBW), the significantly softer AISI 304 stainless steel showed the least abrasive wear (27.5 mm³) due to the surface hardening effect. In contrast, the aluminum alloy Al 3004 wore down the most (136.7 mm³) and was the roughest (R_a = 4.80 μm) due to the dominant micro-cutting mechanism. Overall, two main wear mechanisms were identified: micro-cutting in softer materials and micro-ploughing in harder metals. For components of abrasive mixing mechanisms subjected to intense abrasive and hydroerosive loads, Hardox 500 TUF and AISI 304 steels are recommended as the most durable options. The choice should be based on the specific abrasive particle fraction of the material being processed and additional corrosion resistance requirements.