Aging and Reliability of Composites

Fiber-reinforced polymers and polymer-based materials are increasingly used in demanding applications due to their favorable strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility. However, their long-term performance is strongly influenced by aging processes that occur during service. Exposure to environmental and mechanical stressors can progressively alter material structure and properties, ultimately affecting reliability, durability, and safety.

This presentation provides an overview of the principal aging mechanisms affecting fibers, polymers, and their composites. Thermal aging can lead to chain scission, oxidation, softening, and loss of mechanical strength, particularly at temperatures approaching or exceeding the glass transition temperature. Moisture and fluid exposure may induce swelling, plasticization, and hydrolysis, while oils and solvents can further compromise material integrity. Chemical aging resulting from oxidation, ultraviolet radiation, and exposure to aggressive environments can cause discoloration, surface cracking, embrittlement, and premature failure. In addition, sustained and cyclic mechanical loading contribute to creep, fatigue damage, stress relaxation, and the formation of microcracks.

The presentation will discuss how these aging mechanisms interact and influence long-term material behavior. Understanding these processes is essential for informed material selection, product design, life prediction, maintenance planning, and failure mitigation in engineering applications.

Presenter: Dr. Pierre Mertiny, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta

References to the Knowledge in Practice will be provided during the webinar, allowing users to access this and other content in a consistent and coherent manner. The webinar will be recorded and available for viewing at: https://compositeskn.org/KPC/A417.