Solid Particle Erosion Behaviors of Walnut Shell-Filled Acrylic-Styrene-Acrylate (ASA) and Polycarbonate/Acrylic-Styrene-Acrylate (PC/ASA) Thermoplastic Blend Biocomposites

The aim of this study is to investigate the solid particle erosion behavior of walnut shell (WS)-filled acrylic-styrene-acrylate (ASA) and polycarbonate/acrylic-styrene-acrylate (PC/ASA) thermoplastic blend composites under various erosion conditions. Erosion resistance tests were conducted using Al2O3 particles (600 μm, Mohs hardness 9) as erodent, at a velocity of 34 m/s, with impingement angles ranging from 30° to 90°. Test samples were subjected to these conditions for 24 s, and weight loss was measured to determine erosion rates. Key parameters such as density, hardness, and erosion coefficients were also evaluated. Composites with 10 wt% WS filler exhibited optimal performance, reducing erosion rates by up to 36.7% compared to unfilled PC/ASA blend. Macro and SEM imaging revealed the damage mechanisms, showing less material loss and better surface durability in WS-filled composites. This study demonstrates that incorporating WS into ASA and PC/ASA matrices not only improves erosion resistance but also aligns with the goal of sustainable material development. The results suggest that these composites could be highly effective in industries where materials are exposed to wear and tear from abrasive forces, such as in construction or automotive applications.