Tensile strength of GFRP and hybrid composites under various environmental conditions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanical behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) and hybrid composites under various adverse environmental conditions. This mainly helps the researchers to overcome the obstacles that have been met when they use the materials individually and also to know the impacts of environment on them. Design/methodology/approach The GFRP and hybrid specimens are made according to the American Society for Testing and Materials standard. The specimens are then immersed in aviation turbine fuel, hydraulic fluid and concentrated sulfuric acid. The tensile strength of the specimens is then determined using the universal testing machine. Findings The tensile strengths of the normal specimens and the specimens subjected to various environmental conditions are determined. The results obtained for GFRP and hybrid specimens are then compared. Research limitations/implications The researchers can extend the time intervals further for a better understanding of the strength of the composites. Practical implications Once better combinations are found out with the highest strength to weight ratio and its resistance to various adverse environmental conditions, it can be used in real-time applications. Social implications The best hybrid combinations can be used in place of metals in future. Originality/value This is an original research and is clearly based on the experimental results, so it adds very much value to the aviation industry because strength to weight ratio is one of the major issues to be taken into consideration.