EXPLOSIVELY CONSOLIDATED PVC ALUMINA POWDER MIXTURES

The ever-increasing interest in the manufacture of cheap, highly abras ive, but, at the same time, very strong materials possessing good wear -resistant properties has focused attention on the explosive powder-co nsolidating technique. This particular route has been exploited indust rially in the areas of metallic and ceramic blends, but it is only mor e recently that the possibility of using polymeric particulate matrice s has been investigated. The main attraction of dynamic consolidation lies in its ability to create conditions under which, as a result of t he passage of a shock wave, inter-particle bonding becomes possible wh ere, in consequence, the strength of the compact is enhanced. A relati vely soft polymeric matrix, in conjunction with a hard, abrasive alumi na material, forms a blend that combines strength with low manufacturi ng costs.