Accession Number:

ADA280751

Title:

Microbiologically Influenced Degradation of Fiber Reinforced Polymeric Composites

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB STENNIS SPACE CENTER MS

Personal Author(s):

• Wagner, Patricia A.
• Ray, Richard I.
• Little, Brenda J.
• Tucker, Wayne C.

Report Date:

1994-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

9.0

Abstract:

Two fiber-reinforced polymer composites were examined for susceptibility to microbiologically influenced degradation. Composites, resins, and fibers were exposed to sulfuriron-oxidizing, calcareous-depositing, ammonium-producing, hydrogen-producing, and sulfate-reducing bacteria SRB in batch culture. Surfaces were uniformly colonized by all physiological types of bacteria. Epoxy and vinyl ester neat resins, carbon fibers,and epoxy composites were not adversely affected by microbiological species. SRB degraded the organic surfactant on glass fibers and preferentially colonized fiber-vinyl ester interfaces. Hydrogen-producing bacteria appeared to disrupt bonding between fibers and vinyl ester resin and to penetrate the resin at the interface.

Descriptors:

• *CORROSION
• *SULFUR
• *STRESS CORROSION
• *AEROBIC BACTERIA
• *BIODETERIORATION
• *MICROBIOLOGY
• FIBERS
• DEGRADATION
• BACTERIA
• STRESS(PHYSIOLOGY)
• CARBON
• SURFACES
• SURFACE ACTIVE SUBSTANCES
• FOULING ORGANISMS
• PH FACTOR
• CULTURE
• PLASTICS
• ESTERS
• EPOXY COMPOSITES
• SULFATES
• BONDING
• GLASS FIBERS
• IRON
• GLASS
• POLYMERS
• INTERFACES
• RISK

Subject Categories:

• Biochemistry
• Properties of Metals and Alloys

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE