Prediction of Long-Term Tensile Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites under Acid-Base and Salt Environments

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of deionized water, seawater, and solutions with various concentrations (5% and 10% by mass) of HCl and NaOH on the physical and mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs) through aging tests at 20 °C, 50 °C, and 80 °C. The tensile properties of GFRP were assessed by tensile testing at room temperature, and the strain during the tensile process was observed using digital image correlation. Additionally, the degradation mechanism was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, and long-term tensile properties were predicted based on the Arrhenius model. The results indicated that the tensile strength of the GFRP decreased by 22%, 71%, and 87% after 56 d of exposure to 5% NaOH solutions at 20 °C, 50 °C, and 80 °C, respectively. The alkaline solutions had a more severe effect on the GFRP than deionized water, seawater, and acidic solutions. The experimental values and Arrhenius model predictions were found to be in good agreement with each other.