Long‐term hygrothermal response of perforated GFRP plates with/without application of constant external loading

Abstract

AbstractThe use of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites is increasingly being considered in various applications where the composite is subjected to harsh hot and humid conditions. Although information on the performance of GFRP under hot and humid conditions is available, the characteristics and the response of perforated GFRP under such conditions have not been fully explored. In this article, the response of perforated GFRP plates subject to hot and humid environment is examined. The applicability and accuracy of Fick's model for establishing the amount of moisture absorption by such composites is examined, and an improved model is proposed. The article also demonstrates the influence of constant external loading on such perforated GFRP while undergoing conditioning in a hot and humid environment. Moreover, since the strength and stiffness of composites can be significantly affected by harsh environments, the degradation in the strength and stiffness of the perforated GFRP as a function of time is established. A new model is proposed wherein degradation of the strength of such perforated composites may be established as a function of time and geometric entities. The model can also account for the influence of the applied loading. POLYM. COMPOS. 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers