Multiscale Characterization of E-Glass/Epoxy Composite Exposed to Extreme Environmental Conditions

Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites continue to attract scientific and industrial interest since they offer superior strength-, stiffness-, toughness-to-weight ratios. The research herein characterizes two sets of E-Glass/Epoxy composite skins: stressed unstressed. samples were previously installed in an underground power distribution vault exposed fire while the unstressed skins newly fabricated never-deployed samples. mechanical, morphological, elemental composition methodically studied using a dynamic mechanical analyzer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), x-ray diffractometer, respectively. Sandwich panels consisting E-glass/Epoxy skin balsa wood core originally received, was removed before any further investigations. Skin-only specimens with dimensions ~12.5 mm wide, ~70 long, ~6 thick tested Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer dual-cantilever beam configuration at 5 Hz 10 from room temperature 210 °C. Micrographic analysis SEM indicated slight change morphology due event but confirmed effectiveness fire-retardant agents quickly suppressing fire. Accompanying Fourier transform infrared energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy studies corroborated morphological results. Finally, diffraction showed that consumed surface level structural attributes remained mainly intact. results suggest can field deployment, even after short incident.