Microbiologically influenced degradation of fiber reinforced polymeric composites

Conference · Fri Dec 30 23:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:70157

Wagner, P A; Ray, R I; Little, B J ^[1]; Tucker, W C ^[2]

---

1. Naval Research Lab., Stennis Space Center, MS (United States)
2. Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, RI (United States)

Two fiber reinforced polymer composites were examined for susceptibility to microbiologically influenced degradation. Composites, resins, and fibers were exposed to sulfur/iron-oxidizing, calcareous-depositing, ammonium-producing, hydrogen-producing and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in batch culture. Surfaces were uniformly colonized by all physiological types of bacteria. Epoxy and vinyl ester neat resins, carbon fibers, and epoxy composites were not adversely affected by microbial species. SRB degraded the organic surfactant on glass fibers and preferentially colonized fiber-vinyl ester interfaces. Hydrogen-producing bacteria appeared to disrupt bonding between fibers and vinyl ester resin and to penetrate the resin at the interface.

• OSTI ID: 70157
• Report Number(s): CONF-940222--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
42 ENGINEERING
BIODEGRADATION
CARBON FIBERS
CLOSTRIDIUM ACETOBUTYLICUM
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
CORROSION RESISTANCE
CORROSIVE EFFECTS
EPOXIDES
FIBERGLASS
FRESH WATER
IMAGES
POLYESTERS
PSEUDOMONAS
SEAWATER
THIOBACILLUS FERROXIDANS