Experimental investigation of long-term performance of fiber-reinforced epoxy and polyurethane polymer composites

Abstract

The primary challenge encountered by polymers and their composites when exposed to saline water is their inadequate ability to withstand wear and tear over time. With a potential to replace conventional materials the long-term performance of FRP composites is still a novice area. This manuscript thus, reports an experimental investigation and prediction of the durability of fiber-reinforced polymer composites exposed to seawater at different temperatures. E-glass/epoxy and E-glass/polyurethane samples were exposed to 23 °C, 45 °C and 65 °C seawater for up to 2700 days (90 months). Tensile tests evaluated the mechanical performance of the composite as a function of exposure time, and strength-based technique was used to assess the durability. The experimental results revealed that the tensile strength of E-glass/epoxy composite decreased by 6.3% and 48.9% after 90 months in seawater at 23 and 65 °C, respectively, whereas it declined by 37.6% and 63.6% respectively for E-glass/Polyurethane composite. The prolonged immersion in seawater results in plasticization and swelling in the composite material, which accelerates the fiber/matrix debonding. SEM micrographs indicate fiber/matrix debonding, potholing, fiber pull-out, river line marks, and matrix cracking which showcases deterioration in the tensile properties of both composites.