Polyester composites for shipbuilding

The composites with polyester or vinylester matrices as the most widespread shipbuilding nonmetallic materials are reviewed. Mechanical, physical, technological and operating characteristics of glass reinforced plastics and their relationship with component properties are discussed. The influence of aggressive environmental factors on the properties of the composites, polymer aging, and time dependence of destructive stress are considered. Rheological properties of the polymers and composites used in shipbuilding are evaluated. A new view on the polymer properties scale effect is discussed.