Study of blister formation in GRP laminates in water
Fangping Chen
2134/33055
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/thesis/Study_of_blister_formation_in_GRP_laminates_in_water/9230393
Glass fibre reinforced polyesters (GRP) are widely used in boat and swimming
pool manufacture. One drawback for these materials is that they may develop blistering
after prolonged and continuous contact with water. The aim of the research programme
reported in this thesis is to understand the fundamental reasons for the blister
formation, as well as the factors affecting it.
Various polyester resins, epoxy resin, vinyl ester resin, different chopped strand
glass mats (CSM) and initiators were used for GRP laminates and blister trials carried
out. Blisters were examined visually and by an optical microscope; they are classified
into four groups according to their origins: (1) contaminants, (2) bubbles, (3) pre-cracks, (4) glass fibre bundles.
Detailed study of their relative importance shows that the last two categories are most
significant. [Continues.]
2018-05-21 14:31:23
untagged
Materials Engineering not elsewhere classified