Effect of Aviation Turbine Fuel Exposure on Tensile and Flexural Properties of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite

This study examined the effect of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) exposure on tensile and flexural properties of E-Glass/epoxy composites. Specimens as per ASTM standards were made, and a portion of the specimens was coated with resin of varying thickness. Both the resin-coated and bare specimens were exposed to ATF by immersing them in the fuel till saturation. Tensile and flexural tests were carried out, and the results have been analyzed in the paper. Experimental results show that bare specimens exhibited a reduction in properties due to ATF ingression to the polymeric network and induced internal stresses, which not only degraded the reinforcement and fiber matrix adherence but created micro-cracks too in the resin at the interfaces. Resin-coated specimens limit fuel ingression, which has led to a slight reduction in properties. Fibers from the fractured surface were examined by scanning electron microscope, exhibiting slight degradation in fiber, interfacial characteristics and matrix.