Polymer-Matrix Composites: Characterising the Impact of Environmental Factors on Their Lifetime

• Tipo: Outra Publicação em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2023

Autores

Barreira-Pinto, R (Autor) Outra; Carneiro, R (Autor) Outra; Miranda, M (Autor) Outra; Rui Miranda Guedes (Autor) FEUP

Revista

Título: Materials

Vol. 16

Página Final: 3913

ISSN: 1996-1944

Editora: MDPI

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citações

Scopus

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00Y-HWS

DOI: 10.3390/ma16113913

Abstract (EN): Polymer-matrix composites are widely used in engineering applications. Yet, environmental factors impact their macroscale fatigue and creep performances significantly, owing to several mechanisms acting at the microstructure level. Herein, we analyse the effects of water uptake that are responsible for swelling and, over time and in enough quantity, for hydrolysis. Seawater, due to a combination of high salinity and pressures, low temperature and biotic media present, also contributes to the acceleration of fatigue and creep damage. Similarly, other liquid corrosive agents penetrate into cracks induced by cyclic loading and cause dissolution of the resin and breakage of interfacial bonds. UV radiation either increases the crosslinking density or scissions chains, embrittling the surface layer of a given matrix. Temperature cycles close to the glass transition damage the fibre-matrix interface, promoting microcracking and hindering fatigue and creep performance. The microbial and enzymatic degradation of biopolymers is also studied, with the former responsible for metabolising specific matrices and changing their microstructure and/or chemical composition. The impact of these environmental factors is detailed for epoxy, vinyl ester and polyester (thermoset); polypropylene, polyamide and poly etheretherketone (thermoplastic); and for poly lactic acid, thermoplastic starch and polyhydroxyalkanoates (biopolymers). Overall, the environmental factors mentioned hamper the fatigue and creep performances, altering the mechanical properties of the composite or causing stress concentrations through microcracks, promoting earlier failure. Future studies should focus on other matrices beyond epoxy as well as on the development of standardised testing methods.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 61