a b s t r a c t
Carbon fiber–vinyl ester (CFVE) composites are good candidates for use in civil and naval vessels. CFVE
composites offer high strength and stiffness-to-weight ratio and superior resistance to electrochemical
corrosion. However, during application CFVE composites are exposed to harsh marine environments
which can significantly degrade the mechanical properties. Here, the time dependent changes in flexural
mechanical properties of CFVE composites due to exposure from marine environments are investigated.
Exposure to marine environments are simulated by indoor water immersion, accelerated aging in environmental
chambers, and outdoor exposure in a tidal pond. Comparison between the conditions will be
discussed in the context of long-term outdoor exposure with controlled laboratory conditions.
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