Effect of local atmospheric conditions in Bahrain on the mechanical properties of GRP

Abstract

In this investigation, experiments were carried out on two groups of glass reinforced polyester specimens. The first group was exposed for a period of one year to natural weathering in outdoor conditions in an urban area in Bahrain, while the second group was submerged in sea water for the same period of time. The specimens consisted of a layer of chopped strand mat sandwiched between two layers of woven roving glass fibers in a matrix of polyester. Tensile and three-point bending tests were performed in the study. The flexural strengths of the specimens exposed to outdoors and sea water conditions showed a pronounced deterioration, with a higher deterioration observed for the specimens placed in sea water. Tensile specimens showed a reduction in failure strain and an increase in the modulus of elasticity, for both types of conditions.