Prestressed polymeric matrix composites: Longevity aspects

Fazal, Adnan; Fancey, Kevin S.

Abstract

Elastically pre-stressed polymeric matrix composites (EPPMCs) are produced by stretching fibers (e.g. glass) within the composite during matrix curing. The resulting pre-stress can enhance mechanical performance, without increasing section dimensions or weight. Viscoelastically pre-stressed polymeric matrix composites (VPPMCs) can provide similar benefits, these being produced by subjecting polymeric fibers (e.g. nylon 6,6) to a creep load, which is released prior to molding. Although VPPMCs offer simplified processing and flexibility in product geometry, long-term viscoelastic activity within the pre-stressing fibers is sensitive to time-temperature limitations. In this study, nylon 6,6 fiber-polyester resin samples were subjected to accelerated ageing. Using time-temperature superposition, the samples were maintained at 70°C for 2298 h, representing a 20-fold ageing increase over previous work. Subsequent Charpy impact testing (at 20°C) demonstrated that the VPPMC samples absorbed ~40% more energy than corresponding control (unstressed) counterparts; i.e. no deterioration in impact performance was observed, over a duration equivalent to ~25 years at 50°C. In contrast, the longevity of EPPMCs remains unknown, but it is suggested that progressive localized matrix creep at the fiber-matrix interface regions may cause a deterioration in elastically generated pre-stress with time and/or elevated ambient temperatures.

Citation

Fazal, A., & Fancey, K. S. (2016). Prestressed polymeric matrix composites: Longevity aspects. Polymer composites, 37(7), 2092-2097. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.23387

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 19, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Feb 21, 2015
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Deposit Date: Sep 4, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 23, 2017
• Journal: Polymer composites
• Print ISSN: 0272-8397
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 2092-2097
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.23387
• Keywords: Materials Chemistry; General Chemistry; Polymers and Plastics; Ceramics and Composites
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/378780
• Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pc.23387/abstract
• Additional Information: Author's accepted manuscript of article published in: Polymer composites, 2015, v.37 issue 7.
• Contract Date: Nov 23, 2017