Flexural strength of single polymer polyester composites as a measure of material degradation

Abstract

The study compares flexural strength of single polymer polyester composites. Composites under examination had the form of laminates differing in the content of the reinforcement phase and the type of material subject to simulated absorption of distilled water and sea water. Simulation tests of distilled water and sea water absorption for single polymer polyester composites with 5% to 20% reinforcing phase were made in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 62:2008 standard. The determination of the measure of degradation of the composites, the magnitude of the bending stress, was conducted in accordance with the PN-EN ISO:178 standard. This work is part of a research relating to the quality and recycling of single polymer composite materials. The testing part of the research is aimed to define the properties of examined materials before they are used commercially in specific products.