Experimental Evaluation of Tensile Behavior and Hygrothermal Degradation of Glass Fiber Composites
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites are widely used in structural applications due to their high specific strength and durability; however, their mechanical performance strongly depends on fiber architecture and environmental exposure. This study evaluates the mechanical behavior and moisture-induced degradation of GFRP laminates through tensile tests, impact tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermomechanical analysis (TMA) performed on a bi-directional glass-epoxy GFRP laminate ([0°/90°]). Tensile tests revealed a maximum longitudinal strength of 369 MPa in dry specimens, while water immersion for up to 21 days led to a significant reduction in tensile strength, from 207 MPa to 63 MPa, in diagonally cut specimens. Impact tests conducted at 12 J showed larger displacements in specimens cut along directions not aligned with the fibers, indicating matrix-dominated behavior. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated strong dependence of stiffness on fiber orientation, with storage modulus values decreasing by approximately 45% in 45° specimens compared with the principal directions, while the glass transition temperature remained within 59-62 °C. Thermomechanical analysis confirmed an increase in the coefficient of thermal expansion after aging, from 205.6 to 291.65 µm/(m·°C) below Tg. These results provide insights into the structure-property-environment relationships governing the durability of GFRP composites and support the optimization of their design for long-term polymer-based applications.
Source: Polymers
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7124997172
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: