Stress corrosion of epoxy-glass composites monitored using acoustic emission

In the building industry, polymeric matrix composites filled with glass, carbon, graphite, polypropylene, or Kevlar filaments are commonly used. However, it is notable that the wider use of composites is limited by a lack of sound knowledge regarding their properties their responses to exposure to various environments. In this respect, the alkaline and acid environments may have a significant influence on the response of epoxy-glass composites which are most commonly in use. They may undergo stress corrosion and the resulting cracks reduce the strength of the composite. Within this work, a method based on acoustic emission measurement is devised which allows the determination of the beginning of cracking and of the intensity of the corrosive cracking of filaments in a loaded composite. This is substantial in terms of the diagnosing of the functioning structures.