Effects of Engine Oil and Diesel Fuel in the Impact Strength and Morphology of Unsaturated Polyester Matrix Reinforced With Glass (Short/Woven) Fibers

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of aging in diesel fuel and engine oil media on the impact properties of mixed short and woven fiber glass in composite laminates. The current research analyses mixed laminates consisting of eight plies of fiber glass textiles (Taffetas 450 g/m ² , Mat 300 g/m ² , and Mat 450 g/m ² ) and unsaturated polyester resins, which are achieved through the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding method. To accurately characterize mix‐glass/unsaturated polyester composite materials and comprehend the phenomena that alter their behavior, absorption tests in aggressive environments, as well as mechanical tests and morphological analysis, following the absorption period, are conducted on composite laminates. The primary objective of our study is to assess mechanical properties like the impact strength and impact strength retention through Charpy impact tests, and also to evaluate the morphological properties through scanning electron microscopy during the aging in two harsh environments: engine oil and diesel fuel, over various time periods. To examine the physico‐chemical changes and their effects on the impact strength properties of composite laminates, a comparative analysis of these properties is conducted for both unaged and aged specimens in two environments. The analysis of all acquired results indicates that aging duration and harsh conditions significantly affect the impact strength behavior of mixed (Mat/Taffetas) GFRP composite.