FREEZE-THAW DURABILITY OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Composite materials, produced from polymer resins and high strength fibers, have the potential to be widely used in construction because of their corrosion resistance and high strength to weight ratio. However, other environmental factors adversely affect the behavior of polymer composite materials. Composite materials must be as durable as steel and concrete for use in highway structures. Two commercially available pultruded fiberglass composite systems (isophthalic polyester and vinyl ester), were studied. The coupons were placed in a 2% NaCL-water solution and subjected to cycles of freezing and thawing, with the temperature ranging between -17.8 degrees C (0 degrees F) and 4.4 degrees C (40 degrees F). Periodically, coupons were removed and tested in flexure to failure. Flexural strength values at various numbers of freeze/thaw cycles were compared to the strengths of virgin coupons. Other properties evaluated include Young's modulus, modulus of toughness, and dynamic modulus. Results indicate significant loss in flexural strength, rigidity, and toughness.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Arizona, Tucson

  Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics
  1209 E 2nd Street
  Tucson, AZ  United States  85721-0072
• Authors:
  • Gomez, J
  • Casto, B
• Conference:
  • First International Conference on Composites in Infrastructure
  • Location: Tucson, Arizona
  • Date: 1996-1-15 to 1996-1-17
• Publication Date: 1996-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 947-955

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Composite materials; Dynamic modulus of elasticity; Failure; Fiberglass; Flexural strength; Flexure; Freeze thaw durability; Young's modulus
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I35: Miscellaneous Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00762522
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 19 1999 12:00AM