This work deals with the processing and abrasive tests in polyester - SiC (silicon carbide) composites, and evaluation of their possible technological application in dimension stones polishing crowns - commonly made of magnesian mortar (named SOREL) - SiC. Composites were prepared with polyester concentrations of (5-10-20-30-40-50) weight % SiC, by mixing and curing. The composites were submitted to wear tests, simulating a dimension stone polishing operation. Optimized performance was achieved for samples with 50%wt SiC, which exhibited an abrasion resistance 5 times that of SOREL-SiC samples. However, the composite displayed a mass loss 4.6 times higher, thus pointing to an overall performance that is similar to that of SOREL-SiC samples.
Abrasive composite; wear mechanisms; polishing
