Evaluation of Coatings for FR-4 Fiberglass Epoxy Composite Probes
Abstract
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Soldiers are the U.S. Army s tactical and technical explosive experts. One tool they use to investigate potential explosive devices is a handheld probe fabricated from FR-4 fiberglass epoxy composite. In an effort to protect the probe from the damaging effects of abrasive components in soil, three commercial epoxy coatings were evaluated for abrasion resistance. This report focuses on the application and performance properties of coatings applied to the FR-4 fiberglass epoxy composite material. The Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by the Taber Abraser (ASTM D4060-10) was used as a guide to determine the resistance of organic coatings to abrasion produced by the Taber Abraser on coatings applied to a plane rigid surface. The Taber is a single rotary platform that performs accelerated wear/abrasion testing. Wear index (milligrams per cycle) was determined for each test specimen and summarized. The lower the wear index, the better the abrasion resistance of the coating. The 3M FG-512 coating had a better wear index (42 mg/cycle) than the Rust-Oleum (82 mg/cycle), and endured 6000 cycles of abrasion. The CeRam-Kote 54 product had the best wear index (20 mg/cycle) and survived 6000 cycles of abrasion testing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA593266
Entities
People
- Daniel M. De Bonis
- David P. Flanagan
- Faye R. Toulan
- John J. la Scala
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory