Seawater ageing effect on the mechanical properties of composites with different fiber and matrix types

Abstract

The use of fiber-reinforced composites in marine applications such as components of tidal turbines and wave energy converters is becoming attractive because of their reduced weight and improved corrosion resistance. However, when these polymer matrix composite structures are exposed to seawater environment, degradation of material properties is produced affecting reliability. A deep understating of seawater ageing effect on composite structures is essential to ensure long-term performance and durability. A systematic investigation was conducted in this work to evaluate the effect of seawater ageing on mechanical properties of five different composites manufactured with two types of fiber fabrics (unidirectional glass and carbon) and three types of resin systems (epoxy, vinylester and polyester). The behavior of samples with and without accelerated seawater ageing and subjected to tensile, compressive, flexural and shear loading was evaluated. A significant strength reduction due to seawater ageing was observed on composites with epoxy and polyester matrices. Low strength and stiffness values of composites with vinylester matrix are in general observed; however, seawater ageing makes these properties increase slightly. Fracture surface examination by scanning electron microscopy revealed delamination, fiber debonding and resin crumbling due to seawater effect.

Low‐velocity impact behavior of glass fiber‐MWCNT/polymer laminates exposed to seawater and distilled water aging

“…In recent years, there have been several research studies to evaluate the effect of hydrothermal aging on the mechanical properties of composite laminates subjected to different types of loading conditions like tensile, flexural, shear, and compression . For instance, José‐Trujillo et al investigated the moisture absorption behavior and mechanical properties of composite laminates with different fiber and matrix types immersed in SW, and found that the SW aging causes a severe and negative impact on the mechanical properties of composite laminates. However, the influence of hydrothermal aging on impact properties of composite laminates has been significantly less investigated.…”

An Aging Evaluation of the Bearing Performances of Glass Fiber Composite Laminate in Salt Spray Fog Environment

“…Due to the exposure to a severe environment, such as marine conditions, the glass-fiber reinforced plastic tends to absorb a great amount of water because of preferential pathways triggered by voids and cracks within thermoset matrix [31,32]. Thus, water penetrates at the fiber-matrix interface, stimulating a fast epoxy-matrix softening.…”

“…In this case, long aging time stimulates high water adsorption by glass-fibers, which progressively degrade [29,39,40]. Due to the low hydrophilic behavior of glass-fibers, the high sorption phenomena are triggered by preferential pathways at the fiber/matrix interfaces, induced by debonding, delamination or matrix swelling [31,41,42]. It is worth noting that, initially, the degradation phenomena act at the fiber/matrix interface, causing mainly, a shear-out resistance decrease.…”

The effect of hybridization on microstructure and thermo-mechanical properties of composites reinforced with different weaves of glass and carbon fabrics

“…On the other hand, ROM provides the theoretical results and is limited to unidirectional fibers. In order to use ROM for multidimensional fibers, certain correction factors should be added to the ROM and a more generalized form should be used, as shown in equation (2). 37…”

“…In recent years, the use of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has substantially increased in different industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and defense, due to their low density, high specific strength, high corrosion resistance, good impact strength, stiffness, high durability, and fatigue life. [1][2][3] Thus, FRP composites have replaced traditional structural materials such as steel and aluminum, in various industrial applications due to their remarkable mechanical properties. 4,5 FRP composites are commonly preferred in applications that require lightweight and moderately high temperature properties, etc.…”