Structural Integrity of Glass/Polyester Composites at Liquid Nitrogen Temperature

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate the interlaminar fracture behavior of glass-reinforced polyester composites at liquid nitrogen temperature. Short beam shear (SBS) test, which generally promotes failure by interlaminar shear, was performed to assess interfacial bond strength between fiber and matrix. The mechanical assessment is extended to evaluate and compare the loading rate sensitivity of cryogenically conditioned and untreated glass/polyester composites at 2, 50, 100, 200, and 500 mm/min crosshead speeds. Microstructural changes after cryogenic treatment of glass/polyester composites were explained by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The behavior of these composites at cryogenic temperature may be attributed to stress relaxation, polyester curing shrinkage, large amount of residual stresses, cryogenic contraction of the matrix, greater misfit strains, and matrix crackings.

Optimizing the Properties of Polyether Based Polyurethane Foam

“…They can provide excellent mechanical and chemical properties, good chemical and weather resistance, and a low cost. Further advantages of unsaturated polyester resins over other thermosetting resins for they are easy to handle, can be pigmented, and can be easily filled and fibre reinforced in a liquid form [2]. These are normally produced in three steps; the polycondensation reaction of di-alcohol, an acid anhydride and a di-acid into a pre-polymer resin.…”