1 - Recent studies on durability of natural/synthetic fiber reinforced hybrid polymer composites

Abstract

This chapter discussed an overview of the durability of natural/synthetic fiber reinforced polymer composites. The properties of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials may change in various climate conditions. The weathering behavior such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and moisture absorption are directly affected by the mechanical properties of the FRP material structures. The mechanical properties of FRP materials play a major role in durability and service life of composite materials. The effects of moisture absorption and UV radiation on durability of natural/synthetic fiber reinforced polymer composites were studied in this work. The service life of FRP materials is analyzed and predicted based on the tested data. The capillary flow mechanism during moisture absorption and the moisture-absorbed FRP composite materials and their mechanical strength variation were also discussed. The strength reduction factors such as the degradation of fibers, matrix cracking, and debonding were proposed from available data to account for the environmental effects on behavior on FRP composites. The possibility techniques for improving durability and strength on FRP structures are also viewed.