In this study, sets of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) samples were manufactured and exposed to a semi-arid climate, in Kelowna, B.C., with dry, sunny summers, cold, cloudy winters and all four seasons. The open mould wet lay-up process was used to fabricate both the exposure and control laminates. Different fibre architectures, coating types, and degrees of initial cure were chosen among the study factors via a design of experiments (DOE) approach. Each type of sample was tested for its flexural bending strength, hardness, surface roughness, and specific gravity, before and after a nine month exposure period. Results showed changes in the significance level of different initial laminate design parameters on the mechanical and physical properties of the GFRPs, depending on the indoor (room) or outdoor environment of the parts.

Frictional interaction of tool and part during composite manufacturing is critical as it can affect a range of processing outcomes such as residual stress during the shrinkage of resin, formation of wrinkles at the tool side, possibility of surface cracks during de-moulding, among others. This article, through a systematic design of experiments (DOE) methodology, investigates how different processing configurations can affect the static and dynamic coefficients of friction at the mould-fiber interface. The study factors chosen are the type of mould material, mould surface roughness, mould surface preparation (use of release agent), temperature, and the applied pressure. The mould materials employed include a Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) as well as a stainless steel, interacting with a set of unidirectional fibreglass tows. Results indicate to what extent each of the above design and processing factors can have a statistical effect on the level of dry friction between the tool and fiber tow, both at static and dynamic states.