The Effects of Weathering on Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (Grp) Materials

Abstract

Glass fiber reinforced plastics composite is extensively used as a structural material for pools, oil pipes and tanks because it has good corrosion resistance properties.  The effects of weathering on the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GRP) in the Sultanate of Oman have been studied.  The tensile and three point bend specimens were exposed to outdoor conditions (open atmosphere) in sunlight and tested for various intervals of time.  It was observed that as the exposure time to sunlight, ultraviolet radiation and dust increases the mechanical properties of GRP materials decrease.  The effects of relative humidity (%RH) on the mechanical properties were also studied. It was found that as the relative humidity increased in the atmosphere during the exposure time, the tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity are lowered. This work has revealed that the decrease in the mechanical properties of GRP under weathering conditions is subjected to atmospheric conditions such as humidity, temperature, ultraviolet radiation and pollutant.Key Words: Weathering, Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plastics, Degradation