Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet

Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science

Lab Report
On

Determination of Taber wear index of a material

Course title: Polymer characterization sessional
Course code: CEP 374

Lab Group: 01
Submitted to:
Dr. Mohammed Mastabur Rahman
Professor
Dept. of CEP, SUST
Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman
Associate Professor
Dept. of CEP, SUST
Submitted by:
Mahazabin Mim
Reg. no: 2016332010
Session: 2016-17

Date of submission: 15-09-2019

Title:
Determination of Taber wear index of a material.

Abstract:
The objective of this experiment is to determine the abrasion resistance of the polymer sample.
While conducting the experiment at first a disk-shaped polymer sample was taken and weight was
measured using an electric balance. The sample was then placed in the abrasion tester under a
certain load and the cycle no. was set. After completing all the cycles again, the weight of the
sample was measured. Finally, the Taber wear index was found.

Introduction:
The Taber Rotary Platform Abrasion Tester is commonly referred to as the Taber Abrader or
Rotary Platform Dual (Double) Head Tester. First introduced in the 1930's, this precision-built
instrument was developed to perform accelerated wear testing.
Taber abrasion is a test to determine a plastic's resistance to abrasion. Resistance to abrasion is
defined as the ability of a material to withstand mechanical action such as rubbing, scraping, or
erosion.1
Taber Wear Index - Indicates rate of wear, and is calculated by measuring the loss in weight (in
milligrams) per thousand cycles of abrasion. The lower the wear index, the better
the abrasion resistance.

Since its inception, the Taber Abrader has been used for quality & process control, research &
development and material evaluation. Used to test a wide spectrum of materials, the instrument
has been referenced in numerous standards and specifications (including plastics, coatings,
laminates, leather, paper, ceramics, carpeting, safety glazing, etc.).2

Materials and methods:

 Materials:
1) Abrasion tester
2) Polymer sample
3) Electric balance

1
http://www.intertek.com/polymers/testlopedia/taber-
abrasion/?fbclid=IwAR1DY21zWWNgLUQnXA5HJDRq6XNEPrqqaJmtwF3zcvUcc3wH-qEFqEpgTrM
2
https://www.taberindustries.com/taber-rotary-abraser
 Experimental set-up:

Fig: Taber abrasion tester

 Methods:

1) At first a disk-shaped polymer sample was taken and the weight of the sample was
measured using an electric balance.
2) After that, the sample was placed in the abrasion taster under a settled vacuum (100) and a
certain load (1500gm) as supplied in the instrument.
3) Then the machine was started and the cycle no. was set to 1000.
4) After completing 1000 cycles the machine was stopped automatically and the sample was
brought out from the machine.
5) Then the weight of the sample was measured.
6) Finally, by putting the weights before and after abrasions in a table, wear index of the
sample was found out.
Calculation:

Load taken = (750 + 750) gm = 1500gm

No. of cycle, c = 1000
Vacuum set = 100
Initial weight of the sample, A = 12gm
Final weight of the sample, B = 11.5gm
Weight loss, W = A-B = (12 – 11.5) gm = 0.5gm = 500mg
𝑊
Taber index (%) = 𝐴 ×100%
0.5𝑔𝑚
= ×100%
12𝑔𝑚
= 4.167%
𝐴−𝐵 500𝑚𝑔
Taber wear index, I (%) = 𝑐 ×100% = 1000 𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒×100% = 50 (mg/cycle) %

Result and discussion:

The result of Taber index is 4.167% and Taber wear index is 50 (mg/cycle) %.
While conducting the experiment we faced several problems like we faced difficulties during the
weight measurement of the sample. We faced problem while setting the reading of an electric
balance to zero value so that we could take the exact weight of the sample. Though this difficulty
we were able to measure the Taber wear index and found the desired result.

Conclusion:
It is easily understood from the experiment that the more abrasion cycles the more will be weight
loss of the sample. Depending on the sample quality this loss may be less or more, again may be
quickly or lately. But sample will lose its weight due to abrasion. Abrasion resistance helps us to
determine a products comparability with industry standards, appropriateness for intended use
anticipate how a product will perform etc. It also reduces risk of product failure. So, abrasion
resistance that means Taber wear index determination is very important for understanding
product’s quality and specification.