INVESTIGATION OF THE WATER ABSORPTION PROPERTIES OF PULTRUDED HYBRID COMPOSITE PROFILES

Year 2019, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 48 - 56, 30.06.2019

Önder Yeşil , Osman Asi

Abstract

Pultrusion
is a continuous process for the manufacture of fiber reinforced polymer matrix
composite products having a constant cross section, such as rod stock,
structural shapes, beams, channels, pipe and tube. Pultruded profile products
have high structural integrity and mechanical properties. The water absorption characteristics
of composite materials give serious concern, especially for their potential
outdoor applications. It is also known that having a high water absorption tendency
has negative effects on the mechanical, physical, chemical and optical
properties of composite materials. This is why; it is undesirable that the
polymer matrix, which is used in the production of the composite profiles by
the pultrusion method, has high water absorption values. Fiber content is also
a leading parameter and has a significant influence on the mechanical properties
of composite materials. In this study; the water absorption characteristics and
fiber contents of pultruded glass-carbon fiber reinforced polyester and
vinylester hybrid composite profiles were experimentally investigated. Water
absorption tests were performed by immersing composite specimens into water
conditions according to ASTM D 570 standard. The fiber contents of composite
specimens were determined by calcination method according to TS 1177 EN ISO
1172 standard. The results obtained from the experiments were analyzed and
explained with necessary comments.

Keywords

Water Absorption, Pultrusion, Polyester and Vinylester Resin, Hybrid Composite Profiles

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