Composites are finding wide range of applications because of excellent mechanical and thermal energy absorption at different temperature levels. However, there may not be any chemical equilibrium under certain extreme temperature fluctuations. Therefore, continuous degradation of physical, mechanical and chemical properties is expected during service life of composites that are used as structural elements. Bringing constructed facilities to safe operating levels involves huge expenditures; for example composite-wrap retrofitting appears to be one of the most attractive solution. Effect of extreme temperature and moisture on composite constructed facilities and aging have been critically reviewed in this paper with emphasis on durability. Literature review revealed the complex degradation phenomenon in composite systems under varying environmental conditions and further reinforced the need to evaluate and characterize composite systems suitable to new infrastructure and rehabilitation of distressed structural systems.

Subject
Water, Materials, Adhesives, Moisture, Glass, Mechanical properties, Polymers, Mechanical failure, Interfaces, Composites, Fibers, Aging, Resins
Keywords:
GFRP, degradation, interface, adhesion, mechanical properties, weathering, moisture, temperature, aging, hygrothermal
© 1995 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1995
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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