Influence of resin chemistry on water uptake and environmental ageing in glass fibre reinforced composites-polyester and vinyl ester laminates

Hand laid up glass fibre reinforced isophthalic polyester resin and transfe r moulded vinyl ester resin composites were subjected to environmental agei ng. Gravimetric measurements were performed on laminate samples exposed to air and distilled water at 30 degrees C and 60 degrees C. Complementary por osimetry measurements on the original and fully aged samples indicated sign ificant changes in the structure arising on ageing. Blistering showed that hydrolysis and de-bonding at the fibre-matrix interface occurred in polyest er laminate to a greater extent at 60 degrees C than 30 degrees C. Leaching of monomer residues led to an anti-plasticisation effect in vinyl ester la minate. The influence of the fabrication method on the ageing behaviour is observed through porosity measurements on aged samples. (C) 2000 Kluwer Aca demic Publishers.