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

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.

References

Vengatesan MR, Varghese AM, Mittal V. Chapter 3 – Thermal properties of thermoset polymers.Thermosets: structure, properties, and applications. 2nd ed. 2018; p. 69-114.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-101021-1.00003-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-101021-1.00003-4

Asim M, Jawaid M, Saba N, Ramengmawii, Nasir M, Sultan MTH. Chapter 1 – Processing of hybrid polymer composites - A review. Hybrid polymer composite materials processing 2017; 1-22.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100789-1.00001-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100789-1.00001-0

Post W, Susa A, Blaauw R, Molenveld K, Knoop RJI. A Review on the potential and limitations of recyclable thermosets for structural applications. Polym Rev 2020; 60: 359-388.

https://doi.org/10.1080/15583724.2019.1673406 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15583724.2019.1673406

Mullins MJ, Liu D, Sue H-J. Chapter 2 – Mechanical properties of thermosets. Thermosets: structure, properties, and applications. 2nd ed. 2018; p. 35-68.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-101021-1.00002-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-101021-1.00002-2

Xiang Q, Xiao F. Applications of epoxy materials in pavement engineering. Constr Build Mater 2020; 235: 117529.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117529 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117529

Jin F-L, Li X, Park S-J. Synthesis and application of epoxy resins: A review. J Ind Eng Chem 2015; 29: 1-11.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2015.03.026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2015.03.026

Vargas MA, Sachsenheimer K, Guthausen G. In-situ investigations of the curing of a polyester resin. Polym Test 2012; 31: 127-135.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2011.10.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2011.10.004

Kuppusamy RRP, Neogi S. Influence of curing agents on gelation and exotherm behaviour of an unsaturated polyester resin. Bull Mater Sci 2013; 36: 1217-1224.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-013-0591-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-013-0591-8

Khotbehsara MM, Manalo A, Aravinthan T, Ferdous W, NguyenKTQ, Hota G. Ageing of particulate-filled epoxy resin under hygrothermal conditions. Constr Build Mater 2020; 249: 118846.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118846 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118846

Richaud E, Verdu J. Chapter 9 – Aging behavior and modeling studies of unsaturated polyester resin and unsaturated polyester resin-based blends. Unsaturated polyester resins: fundamentals, design, fabrication, and applications 2019; 199-231.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816129-6.00009-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816129-6.00009-0

Benmokrane B, Ali AH, Mohamed HM, ElSafty A, Manalo A. Laboratory assessment and durability performance of vinyl-ester, polyester, and epoxy glass-FRP bars for concrete structures. Compos B Eng 2017; 114: 163-174.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2017.02.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2017.02.002

Calabrese L, Fiore V, Bruzzaniti P, Scalici T, Valenza A. Pinned hybrid glass-flax composite laminates aged in salt-fog environment: mechanical durability. Polymers 2020; 12(1), 40.

https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12010040 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12010040

Zhang H, Gao Y, Hong J, Li C, Kang H, Zhang Z, Huang M. Laboratory research on road performances of unsaturated polyester concrete at medium-high temperature. Constr Build Mater 2020; 254: 119318.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119318 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119318

Nouigues A, Le Gal La Salle E, Bailleul J-L. Thermo-mechanical characterization of unsaturated polyester/glass fiber composites for recycling. Int J Mater Form, 2020.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12289-020-01559-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12289-020-01559-8

Manjunath RN, Khatkar V, Behera BK. Investigation on seawater ageing of pet-epoxy composites: an ecological and sustainable approach for marine applications. J Polym Environ 2020; 28: 2289-2300.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-020-01771-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-020-01771-2

Nandagopal RA, Boay CG, Narasimalu S. An empirical model to predict the strength degradation of the hygrothermal aged CFRP material. Compos Struct 2020; 236: 11876.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.111876 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.111876

Kusmono, Hestiawan H, Jamasri. The water absorption, mechanical and thermal properties of chemically treated woven fan palm reinforced polyester composites. J Mater Res Tech 2020; 9: 4410-4420.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.02.065 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.02.065

ASTM D638 – 14, Standard test method for tensile properties of plastics, 2014.

ASTM D695 – 15, Standard test method for compressive properties of rigid plastics, 2015.

ASTM D2247 – 15, Standard practice for testing water resistance of coatings in 100 % relative humidity, 2015.

ASTM B117 – 19, Standard practice for operating salt spray (fog) apparatus, 2019.

ASTM D5229 – 20, Standard test method for moisture absorption properties and equilibrium conditioning of polymer matrix composite materials.

Liljedahl CDM, Crocombe AD, Wahab AD, Ashcroft IA. Modelling the environmental degradation of the interface in adhesively bonded joints using a cohesive zone approach. J Adhes 2006; 82: 1061-1089.

https://doi.org/10.1080/00218460600948495 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00218460600948495

Barbosa AQ, Silva LFM, Öchsner A. Hygrothermal aging of an adhesive reinforced with microparticles of cork. J Adhes Sci Technol 2015; 29: 1714-1732.

https://doi.org/10.1080/01694243.2015.1041358 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01694243.2015.1041358

Liu S, Cheng X, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Bao J, Guo X. An investigation of hygrothermal effects on adhesive materials and double lap shear joints of CFRP composite laminates. Compos B Eng 2016; 91: 431-440.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.01.051 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.01.051

Prolongo SG, Horcajo KF, Del Rosario G, Ureña A. Strength and durability of epoxy-aluminum joints. J Adhes 2010; 86: 409-429.

https://doi.org/10.1080/00218461003704345 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00218461003704345

Sugiman S, Putra IKP, Setyawan PD. Effects of the media and ageing condition on the tensile properties and fracture toughness of epoxy resin. Polym Degrad Stab 2016; 134: 311-321.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.11.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.11.006

Tan KT, White CC, Hunston D, Gorham JM, Imburgia MJ, Forster AM, Vogt BD. Role of salt on adhesion of an epoxy/aluminum (oxide) interface in aqueous environments. Polym Eng Sci 2016; 56: 18-26.

https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.24186 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.24186

Zhou J, Lucas JP. Hygrothermal effects of epoxy resin. Part I: the nature of water in epoxy. Polymer 1999; 40: 5505-5512.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(98)00790-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(98)00790-3

Zhou J, Lucas JP. Hygrothermal effects of epoxy resin. Part II: variations of glass transition temperature. Polymer 1999; 40: 5513-5522.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(98)00791-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(98)00791-5

Colombini D, Martinez-Vega JJ, Merle G. Dynamic mechanical investigations of the effects of water sorption and physical ageing on an epoxy resin system. Polymer 2002; 43: 4479-4485.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(02)00272-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(02)00272-0

Fredj N, Cohendoz S, Feaugas X, Touzain S. Some consequences of saline solution immersion on mechanical behavior of two marine epoxy-based coatings. Prog Org Coat 2010; 69: 82-91.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2010.05.009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2010.05.009

Ashcroft IA, Abdel Wahab MM, Crocombe AD, Hughes DJ, Shaw SJ. The effect of environment on the fatigue of bonded composite joints. Part 1: testing and fractography. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf 2001; 32: 45-48.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1359-835X(00)00131-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1359-835X(00)00131-7

Le Guen-Geffroy A, Le Gac P-Y, Habert P, Davies P. Physical ageing of epoxy in a wet environment: coupling between plasticization and physical ageing. Polym Degrad Stab 2019; 168: 108947.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2019.108947 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2019.108947

Downloads

Published

2020-09-21

How to Cite

Santos, F. M. D. ., Oliveira, L. Ávila de ., Bueno, A. H. ., Silva, L. J. da ., Pino, G. G. del ., & Panzera, T. H. . (2020). Effect of Ageing on the Mechanical Performance of Thermoset Polymers: A Statistical Approach. Journal of Research Updates in Polymer Science, 9, 42–49. https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-5995.2020.09.04

Issue

Section

Articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)