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Materials Today: Proceedings 2 (2015) 2902 2908

4th International Conference on Materials Processing and Characterization

Effect of Moisture on GFRP Composite Materials

N.Sateesha, P.Sampath Raob, D.V.Ravishankerc, K.Satyanarayanad
b

a
Professor, Dept. Mechanical Engineering,GRIET,Hyderabad-500090,India*
Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engg.Vijay Rural Engineering College,Nizamabad-503003,TS,India
c
Professor & Principal, TKR College of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad-500097, India
d
Assistant Professor, Dept. Mechanical Engineering,GRIET,Hyderabad-500090,India

Abstract
This work has been conducted to investigate the environmental impacts of fiber composites. The main objective of this work is to investigate
the degradation of GFRP composite which is exposed to different environmental conditions and its influence on the tensile strength. In order
to study environmental impact on fiber composites, a total of 530 strand-type E-glass/polyester resin specimens were fabricated and exposed
to different environmental conditions (i.e. exposed to water) up to 180 days. Three point bending test is carried out on 30, 60, 90,120,150
and 180 days water bath specimens. From the results, flexural modulus and retention ratio are calculated and tested. From the test results, it
is clear that the flexural modulus of the conditioned specimens was significantly reduced due to the degradation of GFRP under the
environmental conditions considered. Its retention ratio calculated also significantly reduced. The results showed that over the lifecycle,
impact on GFRP Composite exposed to water for long period of time.
2015
2014 Elsevier
The Authors.
Elsevier
All rights reserved.

Ltd. All
rightsLtd.
reserved.
Selection and
and peer-review
peer-review under
under responsibility
responsibility of
of the
the conference
conference committee
committee members
members of
of the
the 4th
4th International
International conference
conference on
on Materials
Materials
Selection
Processing and
and Characterization.
Characterization.
Processing
Keywords: RTM, Retention ratio, Glass fiber, Polyester resin, GFRP Composites, Flexural modulus, mechanical properties, 3-point bending test.

1. Introduction
As the new millennium approaches, composite materials are increasingly being used in engineering structures. The
widespread applications of composite materials demand the development of user friendly engineering approaches to design of
structures made of composite materials. Composite material [9] can be defined as a combination of two or more materials that
results in better properties than those of the individual components used alone. In contrast to metallic alloys, each material
retains its separate chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. The two constituents are reinforcement and a matrix. The
main advantages of composite materials are their high strength and stiffness, low density than bulk materials, allowing for a
weight reduction in the finished part. The reinforcing phase provides the strength and stiffness. In most cases, the reinforcement
is harder, stronger, and stiffer than the matrix. The reinforcement is usually a fiber or a particulate. Particulate composites have
dimensions that are approximately equal in all directions. A fiber has a length that is much greater than its diameter.
With increase in population a lot of emphasis is made in order to produce better products and to sustain this growing
population every day, every second in different part of the world new products are being produced in order to improve Despite
the attractiveness of natural fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites, they suffer from lower modulus, lower strength, and
relatively poor moisture resistance compared to synthetic fibre reinforced composites such as Glass Fiber Reinf* Corresponding author. Tel.: +918985215775.
E-mail:nagarisateesh007@gmail.com

2214-7853 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the conference committee members of the 4th International conference on Materials Processing
and Characterization.
doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2015.07.252

N. Sateesh et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 2 (2015) 2902 2908

-nforced Plastics (GFRP). Because of the presence of hydroxyl and other polar groups in various constituents of natural fibre,
the moisture uptake is high which lead to weak interfacial bonding between fibres and the relatively more hydrophobic polymer
matrices, thus compromising the mechanical properties of the composites. Therefore, data on the effects of moisture on
retention of mechanical properties of glass fibre reinforced composites during long-term environmental exposure are crucial
for them to be utilized in outdoor applications.
2. Literature review
Glass transition temperature (Tg) of thermo set matrix in composites is very important property because it defines the critical
service temperature of the component and consequently their applications. For practical applications they are used at a
temperature below their Tg i.e. in the glass state. When materials are exposed to hydrothermal environment, the Tg usually
decreases and therefore, the service temperature of the material changes. Moisture absorption by epoxy matrix composites has
plasticizer effect, as reduction of Tg of the matrix. This effect is usually reversible when water is removed but exposure to high
temperature can produce irreversible effects, which is attributed to the chemical degradation of the matrix and attack on the
fiber/matrix interface. This causes increase of internal voids of the entangling polymer chain, promoting chain expansion and
the microcracks formation into the polymer matrix. There are many factors on which moisture absorption depends such as
temperature, fiber volume fraction, reinforcement orientation, fiber nature, and area of exposed surfaces, diffusivity and surface
protection [1].With the constant necessity of the development of light weight structures, the advancements of science and
technology in several areas has contributed to the improvement of aviation parts. Structural components of aircraft for civilian
and military purposes, such as flaps, rudders, fairings, aileron, fuel tanks, elevator, tail cone and others that were previously
made of metal alloys are recently being manufactured in laminated structures of advanced polymeric composites [7]. Currently,
several companies are already introducing these parts in their aircraft, among which may be cited as Airbus, Boeing and
Embraer [2].Thermoplastic composite materials have several advantages over traditional thermoset composites in the
manufacture of lightweight structures, among them the fact that these materials can be reprocess able, have good cost
effectiveness and solidify in a short time compared with slow curing of the thermoset resins, which facilitate their use [3].
Between the thermoplastic matrix, the poly (ether-imide) (PEI) is a polymer of high performance with good properties, such
as strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures, good electrical properties, ample chemical resistance, besides low cost.
Furthermore, its glass transition temperature Tg is high compared to other engineering polymers and can be used in aeronautical
applications [8]. Fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites in outdoor applications encounter ambient moisture, variation of
temperature, salinity and ultraviolet (UV) radiation in addition to stress and temperature, which affects mechanical properties.
These materials are used for long periods of time on airplanes, so it is necessary to know exactly which influence of such
factors ensure its safe operation, preserving their properties for the period desired. So, in addition to mechanical properties
(tensile, compression, shear etc.), it is important that the maximum service temperature be verified making sure the aircraft
flight envelope, based on knowledge of Tg and melting temperature (Tm).
3. Experimental setup

The main objective of this proposed study is to investigate the effects of environmental conditions on the performance and
durability of glass fiber reinforced polymer. The study will focus on the investigation on effects of exposure on the flexural
properties under both natural and the accelerated environmental conditions. In order to study environmental impact on fiber
composites, first Resin Transfer Mould (RTM) machine designed and developed. The developed RTM machine is shown in
figure 1. Than total of 530 strand-types E-glass/polyester resin specimens were fabricated using RTM machine.
3.1 Production of laminates using RTM
The RTM Machine consisting main parts of Injection equipment and mould flat plates which is a closed mould process. The
matching mould set is then closed and clamped and a low-viscosity thermo set resin which is added with proportionate volume
of catalyst and accelerator is injected under moderate pressures (30-40 psi typical) into the mould cavity through a port within
the mould. The resin is injected to fill all the mould set and thus penetrates and wets out all surfaces of the reinforcing materials.
Vacuum is sometimes used to enhance the resin flow and reduce void formation.
The part is typically cured with heat. In some applications the exothermic reaction of the resin may be sufficient for proper
cure including polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, phenolic, modified acrylic and hybrid resins such as polyester and urethane.
Typically, it requires a resin viscosity of 200 to 600 centipoises to penetrate all surfaces of the mould cavity. The RTM machine
main parts are injection equipment and mould cavity. The injection equipment consists hollow cylinder fitted with pressure

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gauge, pressure pot, valve and pressure pump. Mould cavity consist flat plate mould basin and top flat plate fitted with bolt
and nut. See that all the parts are tightly sealed without any leakages in them. Now place the required amount of glass fibre in
mould. If the fibres are out of the mould the result of the laminate will be irregular. The chemically combined resin is now
poured inside the hollow cylinder through the valve present at top cap and immediately the valve is closed and the air is pumped
into hollow cylinder up to maximum pressure of 40Psi. Now slowly release the bottom valve of the cylinder so that pressurized
chemical resin enters in to the mould. Now it is spread equally in to all directions.

Fig. 1. RTM machine

Fig. 2. Composite laminate piece

To get a well-shaped laminate allow the mould to be idle for 4 to 5 hours and laminate is solidified then unseal the mould
separate the lower and upper mould parts . The laminate is slightly sticky to the mould surface and removed forcibly and
laminate of mould shape is manufactured (as shown in figure 2).
3.2 Testing of the Laminates:
The laminates obtained by RTM is of shape according to the design of mould i.e.; 300mm x 300mm x 8mm as shown in the
figure 2. Since such laminate obtained is difficult to test. So to have tensile test, the standard specimen of dimensions 250 mm
x 30 mm x 8 mm are defragment from above laminates as shown in figure 3. Specimens exposed in water bath at room
temperature as shown in figure 4 for period of 180days. Every 30days some specimens (i.e. 30, 60 90, 120, 150 and 180 water
bath specimens), are taken from water bath and carried out for three point bending tests. From the results, flexural modulus
and retention ratio are calculated and investigated.

Fig.3. Pieces of laminate produced

Fig. 4.Specimens in water bath at room temperature

Fig.5. 3 point bending test on UTM

3.3 Results of 3Point bending test

Specimen size:
Specimen Length = 250 mm, Specimen Gauge Length for bending test (L) = 220mm,
Width (b) = 30 mm, Depth or Thickness (d) = 8mm, Load ( P ) in KN, Deflection( ) in mm
3.4. Specimen exposed at room temperature:
The number of specimens of dimensions 250mm x 30mm x 8mm are exposed in water bath for period of 30, 60 90,

N. Sateesh et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 2 (2015) 2902 2908

120, 150 and 180 days at room temperature taken out for 3-point bending test (figure 5). The results are shown in
table1.
Table1. 3 Point bending test Results-Specimen exposed at Room Temperature

Sl.
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

30 days
P

(KN)
0
0
0.2
1
0.3
3
0.4
4.5
0.5
6.5
0.6
8.5
0.7
9
0.8
12

60 days
P

(KN)
0
0
0.2
1.5
0.3
4
0.4
4.5
0.5
6.5
0.6
9
0.7
11.5
0.8
14
0.9
16

Exposure period
90 days
120 days
P
P

(KN)
(KN)

0
0
0
0
0.2
2
0.2
2.5
0.3
4.5
0.3
4.5
0.4
6.5
0.4
7.5
0.5
10
0.5
9
0.6
12
0.6
12.5
0.7
14
0.7
14.5
0.8
18
0.8
18.5
0.9
20
0.9
20

150 days
180 days
P
P

(KN) (KN)
0
0
0
0
0.2
2.5
0.2
2.5
0.3
5.0
0.3
5.5
0.4
8.0
0.4
8.5
0.5
10.0
0.5
10.5
0.6
13.0
0.6
14.0
0.7
15.0
0.7
15.5
0.8
19.0
0.8
17.0
0.9
20

Graph1. Load V/s deflection-3 point bending tests of specimens at room temperature for 30, 60, 90,120,150, and 180 days in water.

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N. Sateesh et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 2 (2015) 2902 2908

Flexural modulus of elasticity (Ef) is calculated with graphs for specimen exposed at room temperature
with different exposure times by using following equation and tabulated the results in table 2


(1)
L = Support span (laminate length) in mm
m = Slope of the deflection curve in initial straight portion (N/mm)
b = Width of test beam in mm
d = Depth of test beam in mm
Ef = 2203*0.05*103/4*30*83=8.665Gpa


 



(2)

Table 2: Flexural modulus of Composite material at different environmental conditions with exposure tim es

Un exposed specimen flexural modulus = 11.553Gpa

Specimen exposed in water at room temperature
S.No.
Exposure time in
Flexural
Retention ratio
Days
modulus
(Gpa)
1
30
8.665
0.75
2
60
6.932
0.60
3
90
6.672
0.58
4
120
6.499
0.56
5
150
6.157
0.53
6
180
5.776
0.50

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N. Sateesh et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 2 (2015) 2902 2908

Specimen exposed in water at room temperature

0.75
0.70
0.65
0.60
0.55

Retention ratio

0.50
0.45
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

Exposure time (Days)

Graph 2: Time v/s Flexural modulus at room temperature

Graph 3: Time v/s retention ratio at room temperature

4. Result and Discussions

The present work focused on the investigation on effect of environmental impact on GFRP composite
laminates. To investigate this number of specimens are fabricated and exposed to accelerated environmental
conditions by immersing in water bath at room temperature. Every 30 days specimens are taken from bath
which are exposed at room temperature and carried out 3-point bending tests (figure 5).The results as shown
in table1 and corresponding deflection curves shown in graph 1. From these graphs slope of deflection curve
in initial straight portion of (m) be calculated. Than flexural modulus is calculated by using equation 1 and
retention ratio is calculated by using equation 2. The results are shown in tables 2. Results shows that rapid
reduction in flexural modulus during initial 60 days (as shown in graph.2) and thereafter there is significant
reduction in modulus because of losing bonding strength of the polyester resin at room temperature. The
results showed that strength degradation due to moisture absorption and temperature effect over the lifecycle
impacts of GFRP Composites exposed to water for long period of time. It is clear that the flexural modulus
rapidly decreases over hydro aging because moisture generally affects any property which is dominated by
the matrix and/or interface. However the flexural strength being a fibre dominated property the strength
reduction occurs only if the fibres themselves are affected by hydro environmental conditions. It has been
shown that water can cause degradation at fiber level in glass fibres. Degradation is initiated by water
extracting ions from the fibre, thereby altering its structure. These ions combine with water form bases which
itch and pit the fiber surface and leads to premature failure of the fibers.
The retention ratio (ratio of exposed specimen modulus to unexposed specimen modulus) is calculated for
exposed specimens at different exposure times as shown in table 2. The graph.3 shows that retention ratio
steadily decreases over exposure period of 40 days and further exposure the retention ratio has been decreases
slowly for specimens which are exposed in water at room temperature.
5. Conclusion
The investigation showed a remarkable reduction in mechanical strength (flexural modulus) of GFRP
Composites which are exposed to different constant temperature over different exposure times .The flexural
strength values of the specimens are rapidly decreases over exposure period of 60 days in water at constant
temperature. This because of its hydro aging property at room temperature. Thereafter there is significant
reduction in modulus. The results showed that strength degradation due to moisture absorption and
temperature effect over the lifecycle impacts of GFRP Composites exposed to water for long period of time.
Its strength decreases 25% to 50% over period of 6months. Similarly retention ratio initially rapid reduction
and gradual decrease over long period and expected to maintain considerable minimum strength over service.
The following points are drawn from test results in this study.
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