Seawater exposure effects on viscoelastic and flexure behavior of GF/BMI composites

Abstract

Fiber Reinforced Polymer composites are a rising field of material that is under escalated research by numerous scientists, as it has excellent mechanical properties with the most remarkable being their high strength and light weight. In addition, it offer great corrosion resistance and hence is exceptionally suitable for marine applications. Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite are gaining acceptance in marine industry and that it would help lessen life cycle costs, however, the usage is constrained by the absence of design codes and material databases relating to the long term effect of seawater on composites' properties. For this project, the hygrothermal aging of the mechanical properties of a Glass Fiber/Bismaleimide composite is examined through experimental means. The specimens were immersed prolonged periods of time in simulated seawater at temperatures ranging from 30℃ to 80℃. This temperature reach is intended to be a simulation of the possible exposure conditions in marine applications such as masts, pipes and riser tubes. The degree of aging in the specimens will be investigated by examining the weight increase, the change in the flexural properties and the change in the viscoelastic properties. Composites produced from Hexforce 1581 plain woven glass fiber and Hexply F655 BMI was selected for the study. For this project, the study is a single factor experiment with regard to temperature as the varying element and the saltiness of the simulated seawater held consistent at 3.5%. This project distinguished the effect of prolonged immersion in seawater at various temperatures on the composites' properties and accordingly gives a general framework to future tests and research. Ultimately, it added to the material database for utilization of composites in marine applications, which aid in the performances and suitability of Glass Fiber/Bismaleimide composites in marine application.