Abstract
Glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites are widely used in marine applications, including renewable energy devices and submarines, due to their strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion resistance. As sustainability becomes more important, recyclable thermoplastic composites are gaining attention in marine energy applications. These materials face harsh conditions such as high chloride water, UV radiation, pressurization, and thermal cycling, which can affect their durability and recyclability. This study examines the impact of hygrothermal aging on the recyclability of an Elium glass fiber (GF) composite. Samples were mechanically ground for recycling, and mechanical and thermal properties were compared between aged and unaged samples. After seawater aging, the tensile strength and modulus of the unaged composite dropped by 25% and 13% respectively, due to water ingress along the fiber-matrix interface. The recycled composite showed reduced flexural strength as the long fiber composite was converted into short fibers during the process. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed no change in glass transition temperature after aging. Weight loss (25%) was attributed to the thermal stability of the glass fibers. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the storage modulus increased with aging, and fracture analysis confirmed a mixed mode of failure for aged composites.
Original language | American English |
---|---|
Journal | Polymer Composites |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2024 |
NREL Publication Number
- NREL/JA-5700-91758
Keywords
- aging effect
- elium resin
- liquid thermoplastic
- mechanical and thermal properties
- wind turbine blades