Structural Integrity of Glass/Polyester Composites at Liquid Nitrogen Temperature

• Published in: Journal of reinforced plastics and composites Vol. 28; no. 11; pp. 1297 - 1304
• Main Authors: Surendra Kumar, M., Sharma, Neeti, Ray, B.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-06-2009; Sage
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; composites; thermal expansion; nitrogen; space cryogenics; mechanical properties; Laminate; Ester polymer; Structure integrity; Fiber reinforced material; Temperature effect; Mechanical properties; Shear strength; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Cryogenic temperature; Composite material; Unsaturated polymer; Glass fiber; Fracture mode
• ISSN: 0731-6844; 1530-7964
• DOI: 10.1177/0731684408088889

The aim of the present study is to investigate the interlaminar fracture behavior of glass-reinforced polyester composites at liquid nitrogen temperature. Short beam shear (SBS) test, which generally promotes failure by interlaminar shear, was performed to assess interfacial bond strength between fiber and matrix. The mechanical assessment is extended to evaluate and compare the loading rate sensitivity of cryogenically conditioned and untreated glass/polyester composites at 2, 50, 100, 200, and 500 mm/min crosshead speeds. Microstructural changes after cryogenic treatment of glass/polyester composites were explained by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The behavior of these composites at cryogenic temperature may be attributed to stress relaxation, polyester curing shrinkage, large amount of residual stresses, cryogenic contraction of the matrix, greater misfit strains, and matrix crackings.