Abstract
The effects on the thermal and mechanical properties of a glass fiber/polyurethane composite for automotive applications exposed to an accelerated aging environment by use of elevated temperatures were assessed in this study. Changes within the material are evaluated in terms of mass variation, and by Dynamic-Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Three-Point Bending (3 PB) tests, and Light Microscopy. Water induces a reversible decrease in glass transition temperature (Tg) due to plasticization of the matrix, while the silicone-based brake fluid (DOT5) slightly improves the mechanical and thermal properties. Significant changes in the material are found when exposed to the glycol-based brake fluid (DOT4) and gasoline, in terms of chemical alterations and delamination. However, the combination of liquids immersion and high temperatures has the most significant impact. The concept of accelerated aging cannot be applied in DOT4 and gasoline since structural changes occur, while in water the prediction made using ‘short-term’ tests deviates from long-term experimental results.
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