Corrosion and Chemical Resistance of Composite Materials
Materials engineered to withstand harsh environments.
Fundamentally Corrosion Resistant
It is common in metal components to post processes them with a coating to reduce the effect of corrosive environments on the part. Many times, those coatings are based on epoxy resin. Does it make sense to use a material made from epoxy or another chemically resistant polymer?
Like all composite material design questions, understanding corrosion and chemical resistance starts with an understanding of the fundamental components of the material: the resin matrix and the reinforcement.
The matrix functions to bind the reinforcement together and protect it. The reinforcement is considered the primary contributor to the strength and stiffness of the composite. Potential reinforcements that can be effectively utilized are nearly infinite.
By selecting resin systems and reinforcements that do not degrade in under the specific design conditions, a designer can have confidence that the material will perform for years. Furthermore, given the controlled anisotropy of continuous fiber reinforced materials, designers can ensure that strength and stiffness are aligned properly with the mechanical loadings expected in the application.