Effect of Ageing on the Mechanical Performance of Thermoset Polymers: A Statistical Approach

Francisco M. Dos  Santos; Lívia Ávila de  Oliveira; Alysson H.S.  Bueno; Leandro José da  Silva; Gilberto García del  Pino; Tulio H.  Panzera

doi:10.6000/1929-5995.2020.09.04

Authors

Francisco M. Dos Santos Centre for Innovation and Technology in Composite Materials (CITeC), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ), Brazil
Lívia Ávila de Oliveira Centre for Innovation and Technology in Composite Materials (CITeC), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ), Brazil
Alysson H.S. Bueno Surface Engineering, Tribology and Electrochemistry Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ), Brazil
Leandro José da Silva Centre for Innovation and Technology in Composite Materials (CITeC), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ), Brazil
Gilberto García del Pino Department of Mechanical Engineering, State University of Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Brazil
Tulio H. Panzera Centre for Innovation and Technology in Composite Materials (CITeC), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ), Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-5995.2020.09.04

Keywords:

Epoxy, polyester, salt spray, mechanical properties, moisture absorption, plasticization.

Abstract

The present work investigates the effect of three different ageing processes (natural, 100% relative humidity and salt spray) on the mechanical performance of two thermoset polymers, epoxy and polyester, commonly used as matrix phase in composite materials. A full factorial design is conducted to evaluate the effect of significant factors and interactions on moisture absorption, tensile and compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of the thermosets. Both polymers reveal a decrease in moisture absorption in the saline environment compared to the completely saturated condition (100% RH). Polyester polymers in harsh environments exhibit higher compressive properties compared to those subjected to natural conditioning. In general, polyester polymers, which are most affected by the positive effect of additional cross-linking, have less moisture absorption and superior mechanical properties compared to epoxy, which is more affected by the negative effect of plasticization.

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