Effects of the Wood Species on the Mechanical Characteristics in Case of Some E-glass Fibers/Wood Flour/Polyester Composite Materials

Abstract

The paper describes some aspects concerning the effects of the type of wood species on some mechanical characteristics of some hybrid composite materials reinforced with both E-glass woven fabric and wood flour. It also shows the effects of the moisture absorption on the mechanical behaviour in bending after immersion in two different environments: water and seawater. The specimens were manufactured by reinforcing a polyester resin Copoly 7233 with both E-glass woven fabric EWR145 and wood flour. Two kinds of wood flour, oak wood flour and fir wood flour were used to manufacture the two composite materials tested. The immersion time was approximately eight months. The quantity of the moisture absorbed was greater in case of the immersion in water than in case of the immersion in seawater. Then, the both dried specimens and the wet ones were subjected to flexural tests by using the method of the three points. Finally, the experimental results obtained were analysed in terms of the nature of the immersion environment. Moreover, it was analysed the effect of the immersion time on the changing of the mechanical characteristics in case of woven fabric / oak wood flour / polyester. Finally, the paper recommends the using of the oak wood flour in case of the parts made of composite material analysed, that works in humid environment excepting the case when its salt content is greater.