Effect of Saltwater Aging on the Mechanical Performance of Polyethylene Matrix Glass, Basalt, and Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Composites

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

In this study, the long-term mechanical performance of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix composites reinforced with glass, basalt, and glass/basalt hybrid fibers in a marine environment was investigated. Composite specimens produced by the hot-press method were aged in a 3% NaCl saltwater solution for five months. Within the scope of the study, water absorption measurements were performed, and axial tensile and three-point bending tests were conducted. Experimental results showed that mechanical properties decreased across all composite systems due to water diffusion as aging time increased. The highest water absorption was observed in basalt-reinforced composites at 12.85%, while glass-reinforced composites exhibited a more stable mass increase. In tensile tests, hybrid composites demonstrated the highest environmental resistance with a 21.5% loss; however, in flexural tests, the hybrid structure was found to suffer a significant strength loss of 78.2%. Hybridization provides a beneficial effect under tensile loading; however, this advantage does not extend to flexural loading conditions, where the hybrid configuration exhibits a pronounced sensitivity to environmental degradation.