Environmental Effects on Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester and Vinylester Composites

Abstract

The effects of environment on glass fiber reinforced polyester and vinylester composites immersed in liquids and in humid air were investi gated. Tests were performed at temperatures 23 C and 93 C with the materials exposed to humid air at 50 and 100 percent relative humidities, and to five different liquids: saturated salt water, No. 2 diesel fuel, lubrica ting oil, antifreeze, and indolene. Changes in weight, ultimate tensile strength, tensile modulus, short beam shear strength, and shear modulus were measured over a six month period, and the effects of the environment on these parameters were assessed.