THE DIFFUSION OF HYDROCHLORIC-ACID IN POLYESTER THERMOSETTING RESINS

The possibility of diffusion of corrosive media in polyester resins is considered as a contributor to the process of stress corrosion cracking in glass reinforced polyester composites. It is shown that neither the saturation levels reached nor the rate of diffusion achieved for hydrochloric acid is sufficient for this mechanism to be considered a significant contributor to the process of low stress induced corrosion. It is believed that the corrosive medium will attack the fibers by a process of percolation through stress induced microcracks.