<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Mechanical behaviour was compared for glass/polyester laminates manufactured in the boatbuilding plant using three methods: hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, infusion. Specimens were tested in dry condition and following accelerated water immersion test (70°C- corresponding to the exposure of 30 years at 19°C). In three point bending test 40-50% reduction in laminate strength was observed due to water immersion. The highest degradation was in samples manufactured using hand lay-up method, the differences in strength between both vacuum methods were insignificant. Interlaminar shear strength was reduced by 25% for infusion method which is recommended as the most efficient. Matrix plasticization and debondings as well as surface microcracks were responsible for reduction in strength for water conditioned specimens. However, no microstructural difference in type or intensity of internal damage was observed for the three sample types.</p></abstract>

Mechanical behaviour was compared for glass/polyester laminates manufactured in the boatbuilding plant using three methods: hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, infusion. Specimens were tested in dry condition and following accelerated water immersion test (70°C- corresponding to the exposure of 30 years at 19°C). In three point bending test 40-50% reduction in laminate strength was observed due to water immersion. The highest degradation was in samples manufactured using hand lay-up method, the differences in strength between both vacuum methods were insignificant. Interlaminar shear strength was reduced by 25% for infusion method which is recommended as the most efficient. Matrix plasticization and debondings as well as surface microcracks were responsible for reduction in strength for water conditioned specimens. However, no microstructural difference in type or intensity of internal damage was observed for the three sample types.

ON DEGRADATION OF GLASS/POLYESTER LAMINATE IMMERSED IN WATER

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Materials and Welding Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland

Advances in Materials Science

{"article-title":"ON DEGRADATION OF GLASS/POLYESTER LAMINATE IMMERSED IN WATER"}

Mechanical behaviour was compared for glass/polyester laminates manufactured in the boatbuilding plant using three methods: hand lay-up, vacuum bagging,...

ON DEGRADATION OF GLASS/POLYESTER LAMINATE IMMERSED IN WATER

Published Online: Mar 17, 2011

Page range: 35 - 39

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10077-011-0004-x

Keywords
Polymer composites, durability, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

This content is open access.

ON DEGRADATION OF GLASS/POLYESTER LAMINATE IMMERSED IN WATER

Published Online: Mar 17, 2011

Page range: 35 - 39

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10077-011-0004-x

KeywordsPolymer composites, durability, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

This content is open access.

Keywords
Polymer composites, durability, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)