Hydrothermal ageing effects on flexural properties of GFRP composite laminates

Abstract

The usage and replacement of conventional materials with polymer composite materials for engineering applications is always questioned by the end user, unless otherwise the research oriented reliable supporting certification is made available. The reinforcement materials are highly hygroscopic; the matrix material provides protection to the reinforcement. Since the composite component’s edges are exposed to environment, water molecules travel along the reinforcement, that may cause damage to the interfacial bonding, further the performance of the composite laminate may get affected. This study of resistance of glass fiber reinforced polymer composite (GFRP) subjected to hydrothermal ageing and their flexural behavior under different temperature and exposure time. GFRP samples were prepared by using resin transfer molding (RTM) process and samples were exposed to different environmental conditions. Three point bending test is conducted and the test results indicate reduction in flexural modulus due to the degradation of GFRP under the environmental hydrothermal ageing conditions at 45°C strength decreases 23% to 70% and at 60°Cand 75°C strength decreases 50% to 77% over exposure period of 60 days. The results show that strength degradation by moisture absorption and temperature effect over the lifecycle impacts of GFRP composite exposed to water and temperature for long period of time. The performances of test results have been predicted by mathematical modeling.