Effect of immersion in ordinary water (PH7) with time variation on the bending strength of composite water gates

Abstract

Background: Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites have a disadvantage in terms of bending strength. The use of unsaturated polyester (UP) can enhance the strength of GFRP. However, good mixing is required to ensure proper bonding between the UP and fiberglass as the filler. This study aims to investigate the effect of UP and mixing conditions on the bending strength properties of GFRP/UP composites. UP polymer, glass fibers, and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) (1wt%) and cobalt were used as the matrix, reinforcement, and compatibilizer, respectively, to fabricate the composite. Methods: MEKP (1wt%) and cobalt were mixed using a manual method. Finding: UP-glass fiber-MEKP (1wt%) and cobalt composites were made using the hand lay-up process. The hand lay-up technique is a common method for combining resin and fiber. Its main advantage is that it can be used to produce large and complex samples. Conclusion: The results of the study concluded that composites with UP-glass fiber-MEKP (1wt%) and cobalt did not perform well in withstanding bending strength. Significant changes in sample strength were observed with different mechanisms over periods of 360, 720, and 1080 hours. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study found that, although the addition of UP, glass fiber, MEKP, and cobalt offers potential for improving composite strength, the resulting material is not strong enough to withstand bending forces in practical applications.