Evaluation of mechanical properties of glass fibers chopped strands mat composite subjected to UV degradation

Abstract

The paper focuses on the evaluation of physical and mechanical features of ageing glass fibers chopped strands reinforced polymeric composite, denoted MAT300. First, the samples were analyzed with chroma meter in order to determine the coefficients of color change. Then, the control samples were subjected to three points bending since the other samples were exposed to ultraviolet radiation UV-A radiation for 216 hours. After ageing, the color parameters were measured and the bending test was performed in the laboratory of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Transylvania University of Braşov, on the LS100 Lloyd's Instruments type test machine. Results showed the characteristic curves of the fibers glass chopped strands MAT samples, the values of the modulus of longitudinal elasticity, the strain and the breaking stress. Also, the color parameters (lightness, greenness and yellowness scale) were measured, both before and after test, in the rupture zone, considering that the sample break is accompanied by the delamination of the fiber and matrix layers.