A Study of the Effects of Chemical Environments on the Mechanical Properties of Swirl Glass Mat Reinforced Polyurethane Composite

摘要

Glass fiber reinforced polyurethane composite samples have been exposed to various environments, tested to failure, and their fracture surfaces studied microscopically. Specifically, swirl glass mat polyurethane samples were subjected to antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, motor oil, battery acid, gasoline, brake fluid, distilled water, and salt water, followed by tensile testing to the point of fracture and then examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to document the damage sustained by both matrix and fiber. Selected micrographs are presented, and observed changes in mechanical properties and damage are discussed. It is shown that the environments played a distinct role in the degradation of tensile strength and modulus and in the apparent plasticization of the matrix material, yet the effects of environmental exposure on the damage modes was not significant.