Fatigue damage and environment interaction of polyester aluminized glass fiber composites

Abstract

Aluminized glass fiber composites in a polyester matrix were used in this work in an attempt to study their fatigue resistance under both dry and water saturated ambient conditions (compared to conventional glass fiber composites). These composites, containing specially modified fibers, exhibit increased thermal and electrical conduction properties whilst still being potentially adequate for many structural applications. The fatigue tests were performed in tension at ambient temperature and a frequency of 10 Hz. The fatigue damage of aluminized composites are described and evaluated in under environmental conditions and compared to the performance of uncoated fiber composites.