Effects of alkaline and acid solutions on glass/epoxy composites

• Published in: Polymer degradation and stability Vol. 98; no. 4; pp. 853 - 862
• Main Authors: Amaro, A.M., Reis, P.N.B., Neto, M.A., Louro, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composite structures; Composites; Degradation; Environmental degradation; epoxides; Exact sciences and technology; exposure duration; Failure; Flexural strength; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; glass; Glass fiber reinforced plastics; glass fibers; Hardness measurement; hydrochloric acid; Impact strength; Laminates; Mechanical characterization; mechanical properties; Modulus of rupture in bending; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; Sodium hydroxide; Technology of polymers; Composites; Mechanical characterization; Environmental degradation; Hardness measurement; Failure; Alkali resistance; Laminate; Epoxy resin; Mechanical properties; Chemical degradation; Hardness; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Composite material; Bending strength; Impact strength; Acid resistance; Artificial ageing; Chemical properties; Exposure time; Glass fiber
• ISSN: 0141-3910; 1873-2321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2012.12.029

Composite structures can be exposed to a range of corrosive environments during their in-service life, which causes degradation in terms of material properties. The effect of alkaline and acid solutions on the GRP mechanical properties can be found in open literature, but the studies presented are not sufficient to establish a full knowledge of this subject. In this paper the flexural properties and the impact strength of a glass fibre/epoxy composite after immersion in hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were analysed. Independently of the solution, the flexural strength and the flexural modulus decrease with the exposure time. However, alkaline solution promotes higher decrease of the flexural properties than the acid solution. The same tendency was observed for impact strength.