Effect Of Temperature And Initiator On Glass Fibre/Unsaturated Polyester Composite: Cross-Linking, Mechanical Properties

The influence of temperature (20-60 degrees C) and initiator ratio (1-3%) on the cross-linking and mechanical properties of the matrix resin and of glass fibre/unsaturated polyester composite; prepared by hand lay-up process and used in marine structures, is studied. Reactivity tests have shown that the effect of temperature increase is similar to that of initiator ratio. They increase reaction rate and reduce the gelation time and exothermic peak. Conversely, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses have shown that the final conversions of styrene and polyester vinyl groups are almost complete, and that whatever the chosen operating conditions. Tensile and bending tests have shown that the mechanical properties (Elastic modulus, tensile strength...) are optimal for the samples operated at 40 degrees C with 1% of initiator and those operated at 20 degrees C with 2% of initiator.