Abstract
The propagation of stress corrosion cracks in a range of aligned glass fibre-polyester matrix composites exposed to 0·6 n HCl has been examined using a fracture mechanics test and fractography. Increasing matrix toughness reduces the rate of crack propagation except for highly ductile resins. In the main it is found that crack growth results from the direct action of the acid on the glass fibres at the tip of matrix cracks. However, there are some indications from fractography for diffusion assisted crack growth at low stress intensities for materials with a ductile matrix. Measurements of the mirror zone size have shown that the stress on the fibres at fracture for a given stress intensity is dependent on matrix toughness. It is concluded that the velocity of stress corrosion cracks is related to matrix properties through this effect.
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