Development of erosion equations for removal of organic coating on carbon fiber reinforced polymer surface by plastic abrasive

Erosion equations were developed to predict the material removal of polyurethane coatings on carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) surfaces and validated through experimental data. The effects of abrasive properties, process parameters, and organic coating properties (such as fracture toughness and hardness) were considered in the equations. As the erosion angle increased, elastoplastic deformation in the oblique direction and repeated "deformation" in the normal direction were the main reasons for material removal. The ductile erosion behavior was confirmed by experimental data because the maximum erosion rate occurred at an incident angle of 30°. The coefficient and index in the equations were determined by experimental data, and the equations were verified. The developed equations could accurately predict the quantity loss of organic coatings under different particle sizes and particle velocities, and the erosion equations were in good agreement with the experimental data.