The effect of sea water aging on quasi-static and fatigue behaviors of glass/epoxy composites

Abstract- The main purpose of this study is to determine mechanical degradation of glass/epoxy composites exposed to the Persian Gulf sea water. This mechanical degradation of glass/epoxy composites is classified to both quasi-static and fatigue loadings in total exposure time of 90 days to sea water with the temperature of 30 oC. For this purpose, sixteen specimens consisting of four specimens for quasi-static and twelve specimens for fatigue tests were immersed in see water for three periods of one month. The increased weight reported after 90 days indicates resin susceptibility against sea water. Finally, quasi-static and fatigue tests were conducted on them. The results specifically show the degradation of the material in terms of flexural rigidity, and flexural strength under quasi-static loading conditions. Moreover, a decrease in fatigue life, from 14000 cycles to static failure (less than 1000 cycles) was observed after ninety days of exposure time. Keywords: , , , ,