EFFECTS OF COMBINED ENVIRONMENTAL AGENTS ON PULTRUDED GFRP COMPOSITES FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS

The aim of present research is to monitor the effect of a combination of relevant environmental agents on some mechanical and aesthetical properties of GFRP materials produced with different resins. Glass fiber pultruded profiles have been exposed in a climatic chamber to a combination of elevated and sub-zero temperatures, moisture (high levels of relative humidity close to the saturation grade) and UV radiation. Three GFRP composites have been investigated: isophthalic polyester/E-glass, orthophthalic polyester/E-glass and vinylester/E-glass. Mechanical and aesthetical performances have been collected over 24 consecutive weeks. Tensile, flexural and inter-laminar shear tests have been performed on aged specimens and un-aged materials. Moreover, change in colour and lightness has been measured during the ageing period. The features of the materials after the artificial ageing have been compared to those of specimens exposed to natural ageing in external atmosphere of a semi-continental large city like Milan (Italy). The specimens, exposed to the natural climate, have been tested after 12 months