Cavitation resistance of basalt-based protective coatings and epoxy system

The paper presents the results of synthesis and characterization of new refractory coatings based on basalt and epoxy system. Coatings are intended to protect the surfaces of parts of equipment and various structures in civil and mechanical engineering and metallurgy which are exposed to wear, corrosion, or cavitation during exploitation. Coating composition, procedures for preparation of components from coating composition, synthesis procedures, and application of coatings are investigated. Several methods are used to characterize the coating: X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy and ultrasonic vibration method with a stationary sample according to ASTM G32 standard. Material resistance to the action of cavitation is determined using the ultrasonic method. In order to monitor the formation and development of surface damage on samples under the effect of cavitation, the morphology of surface coating damage is analysed using scanning electron microscopy. Results show high resistance of the tested basalt-based coatings under the action of cavitation, with low cavitation rate (0.04 mg/min), low mass losses of coating and minor surface damage during exposure. This indicates the possibility of applying this type of refractory coating for the protection of various metallic and non-metallic structures in conditions of wear and cavitation

Cavitation Wear of Basalt-Based Glass Ceramic

This paper examines the possibility of using basalt-based glass ceramics for construction of structural parts of equipment in metallurgy and mining. An ultrasonic vibration method with a stationary sample pursuant to the ASTM G32 standard was used to evaluate the possibility of the glass ceramic samples application in such operating conditions. As the starting material for synthesis of samples, olivine–pyroxene basalt from the locality Vrelo–Kopaonik Mountain (Serbia) was used. In order to obtain pre-determined structure and properties of basalt-based glass ceramics, raw material preparation methods through the sample crushing, grinding, and mechanical activation processes have been examined together with sample synthesis by means of melting, casting, and thermal treatment applied for the samples concerned. The mass loss of samples in function of the cavitation time was monitored. Sample surface degradation level was quantified using the image analysis. During the test, changes in sample morphology were monitored by means of the scanning electronic microscopy method. The results showed that basalt-based glass ceramics are highly resistant to cavitation wear and can be used in similar exploitation conditions as a substitute for other metal materials