Degradation of Fibreglass Composites under Natural Weathering Conditions

Abstract

In this study, sets of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) samples were manufactured and exposed to a semi-arid climate, in Kelowna, B.C., with dry, sunny summers, cold, cloudy winters and all four seasons. The open mould wet lay-up process was used to fabricate both the exposure and control laminates. Different fibre architectures, coating types, and degrees of initial cure were chosen among the study factors via a design of experiments (DOE) approach. Each type of sample was tested for its flexural bending strength, hardness, surface roughness, and specific gravity, before and after a nine month exposure period. Results showed changes in the significance level of different initial laminate design parameters on the mechanical and physical properties of the GFRPs, depending on the indoor (room) or outdoor environment of the parts.