The Effect of Acidic Environment on Bending Behaviour of Glass-Carbon/Epoxy Based Hybrid Composites

Abstract

In this study, the effect of an acidic environment on the bending properties of hybrid composites was investigated. Instead of conventional glass fibre/epoxy and carbon fibre/epoxy polymer composite materials, glass-carbon fibre reinforced epoxy polymer (GCFREP) hybrid composite materials against the low strength of glass fibre and high cost of carbon fibre have been used. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) - nitric acid (HNO3) combination has been formed to simulate an acid rain environment. Synthetic acidic solutions of H2SO4 - HNO3 at pH values of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 at -10, 25, and 40 °C have been prepared. GCFREP hybrid composite materials have been immersed in these solutions periodically for one day and 1-3-6-9-12 weeks. Samples of GCFREP hybrid composite materials that complete the exposure to acidic media within specified periods have been subjected to three-point bending tests. As a result of the research, it has been observed that the bending properties of GCFREP hybrid composites change significantly as the acidity of the environment and ambient temperature values increases. These changes have become more evident with prolonged exposure durations.