ENVIRONMENTAL DURABILITY OF GLASS-FIBER COMPOSITES

Durability of glass-fiber/polymer composites is dictated by the durability of the components: glass fiber, matrix, and the interface. Environmental attack by moisture, for example, can degrade the strength of the glass fiber; plasticize, swell, or microcrack the resin; and degrade the fiber/matrix interface by either chemical or mechanical attack. The relative rates of these degradation processes are a function of the chemistry of the resin, temperature, length of time of exposure, degree of stress (whether cyclic or static), chemistry and morphology of coating of coupling agent on the glass fiber, and type of glass fiber. Several examples illustrate how the chemistry and morphology of the coatings of coupling agents that are on the glass fiber influence the strength and durability of the interfacial region.