Dynamic-mechanical analysis of the photo-degradation of long glass fibre reinforced polypropylene: Mechanical properties' changes

Polypropylene matrix composites, with different degrees of reinforcement with long glass fibres, are employed in different fields of the industry, such as aeronautics or automotive. Samples of the material were exposed to artificial accelerated photo-ageing in UV chamber (Heraeus Xenotest 150S). Their high content of glass fibres causes a surface degradation that can seriously affect mechanical properties. Therefore, dynamic mechanical and tensile tests were carried out in order to compare the changes of the properties with exposure time. These modifications are accompanied with microscopic changes in the crystallinity as can be seen in the thermal analysis experiments.