A new abrasion test methodology was recently developed and refined at Texas A&M University to quantitatively evaluate gloss loss resistance of thermoplastic olefins (TPOs). The methodology is similar to a newly established scratch test (ASTM D7027-05), but uses a square flat tip to simulate an abrasion scenario. This work aims at quantitative evaluation of gloss loss of TPOs due to abrasion as a function of linearly increasing load testing condition. Preliminary results show that there is a strong correlation between abraded TPO surface roughness and resultant gloss. Furthermore, it is suggested that the roughness level of the abrasive medium employed relative to that of the virgin TPO surface affects the abrasion behavior of TPOs significantly. Implication of the new methodology for the development of abrasion resistant TPOs is discussed.
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