Thermal aging and catalyst concentration effects on thermo-dynamical and mechanical properties of a polyester fiberglass composite

This work deals with the characterization by physicochemical and mechanical analysis performed on composite polyester fiberglass plates molded by contact and aged in thermo-stated ovens to simulate their deleterious environment of use. The DSC analysis revealed that the catalyst concentration affected the thermal behavior of the composite. Indeed, the addition of a higher catalyst concentration slightly lowered the glass transition temperature. From a mechanical point of view, it was observed that the catalyst addition made the material stiffer. The properties at fracture were also affected by the catalyst concentration and varied irregularly with aging.