An Investigation on Strength Degradation of Gfrp Laminates Under Environmental Impact

The usage and replacement of conventional materials with polymer composite materials for engineering applications is always questioned by the end user, unless otherwise supported by the authentic published research. The reinforcement materials are highly hygroscopic; the matrix material provides protection to the reinforcement. Since the edges of composite components and surface are exposed to environment, water molecules travel along the reinforcement, which can damage the interfacial bonding, further the performance of the composite laminate may get affected. In this scenario the investigation related to this aspect, requires quantitative assessment which is carried out to estimate the damage associated by accelerated simulation of the real time situation provides information to extrapolate the effects of the moisture associated damage to the composite laminate. In this present work an attempt has been made in establishing the investigation procedure to estimate the influence of moisture absorption on strength degradation coupled with temperature. To estimate the life cycle time of polymer composite components such as marine boats and components related to submarine applications. From the test results, it is established reduced that the tensile strength and flexural modulus were reduced significantly, of the specimens subjected to water soaking and varying temperature.