5.2. Time-dependent flexural response
Samples exposed to different environmental exposures were
characterized by three-point bending test to determine the flexural
modulus and strength. All exposure conditions show an insignificant
effect on longitudinal flexural modulus of specimens when
compared to flexural modulus of virgin (unexposed) specimens,
and within experimental error (Fig. 2). The maximum decrease in
the longitudinal flexural modulus occurred for specimens exposed
to 2000 h combined UV radiation and salt spray in environmental
chambers (7%). Results demonstrate that the longitudinal flexure
strength decreases significantly for different types of exposure
(Fig. 3). There is minimal difference between residual flexural
strength of specimens immersed in distilled, salt and sea water.
Furthermore, the specimens’ longitudinal flexural properties were
almost identical for both 6 month and one year exposure durations.
This implies that specimens were almost saturated with
moisture after 6 months exposure and extending the exposure
duration will not change the moisture content of specimens. The
significant decrease in longitudinal flexural strength due to moisture
absorption is attributed to degradation of the fiber–matrix
interface, causing swelling and loss of integrity in carbon fiber
vinyl ester composites. Outdoor exposures to combined UV and
moisture (i.e. sea air or sea water) produce higher degradation in
flexural strength for longer exposure durations. UV radiation produces
microcracks on the surface of irradiated specimens by altering
their chemical structures, accelerating the diffusion of moisture
into the composite laminates. Moisture dissolves and removes the
damaged materials on irradiated surfaces and provides fresh surfaces
for further degradation by UV radiation. 6 month outdoor
immersion in sea water reduced the longitudinal flexural properties
as the same amount as six months or one year indoor immersions.
Unlike indoor immersion, extending the duration of outdoor
immersion in sea water continuously decreases the longitudinal
flexural strength of specimens. This can be attributed to effects
of marine organisms, temperature fluctuations and other uncontrolled
environmental conditions. For all types of conditioning in
environmental chambers, a continuous and gradual reduction in
longitudinal flexural strength were observed during exposures.
This result is believed to be due to the elevated temperatures in
the laboratory chambers versus the indoor immersion temperature
(21C). 2000 h exposure to combined UV, heat and humidity in
environmental chambers produced the same amount of damage
in longitudinal flexural strength as 1 year outdoor exposure to
UV and sea air (Row1). Similarly, 2000 h exposure to combined