Effect of Coremat Xi 3 Middle Layer on Flexural Performance of Glass Fibre Composites under Different Test Rates
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents experimental results from three-point bending tests conducted on two composite types reinforced with quadriaxial glass fibre fabrics, both using unsaturated polyester resin as matrix, and differing by the presence or absence of a Coremat XI 3 middle layer. Tests were performed at three loading rates: 200 mm/min, 500 mm/min, and 1000 mm/min. The analysis included force–time, flexural stress–time, and flexural stress–strain curves. Performance was evaluated using parameters such as maximum force, flexural stress, displacement, time to maximum force, deformation at maximum force, and Young’s modulus. Experiments were conducted with an Instron 5982 three-point bending setup at INCAS Bucharest. Specimens measured 160 mm × 14 mm, with a 100 mm span, and thicknesses of 8 mm (without mat) and ~11 mm (with Coremat XI 3). Each material-rate combination was tested in quintuplicate. The findings show low sensitivity to test rate variation in the analyzed range. However, the mat-reinforced composite exhibited slightly improved properties overall, with flexural stress nearly double that of the unreinforced one (approx. 320 MPa vs. 140 MPa). While other parameters were similar, the mat-reinforced variant showed superior behavior, making it more suitable for marine applications based on the comparative analysis.
Source: INCAS BULLETIN
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411061326