​Durability analysis of FRP composites in various harsh and hostile environments

Despite of various technological advantages, FRP composite materials sometimes degrade due to their interactions with environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, UV, γ and other high energy irradiations, thermal shock, thermal fatigue and so on. Hence it is very essential to predict the durability and reliability of such materials in the specific field of applications to prevent any unprecedented failure.

 

Study of in-service environmental temperature effects on FRP Composites

Temperature is one of the key environmental parameters which decides the durability of the structural materials for a particular application. Due to the differential co-efficient of thermal expansion of the constituents, thermal stresses are expected to be generated the interfaces upon change in service temperature. And, this thermal stress may be capable enough to alter the mechanical performance of the composite material to a significant extent. This may be studied either in form of mechanical testing (like tensile, flexural etc.) at a particular temperature or creep.

 

Sea water durability of FRP Composites

One of the massive potential application field of FRP Composites is the Naval sector. Hence, care must be taken to understand the sea water interaction of the FRP composites. The water/moisture ingression kinetics and effects of water diffusion on the mechanical performance of the FRP Composite are quite interesting in this context.  Further, the sea water durability of nanofiller embedded FRP Composites will certainly drive the potential applicability of these materials in such applications.