Accession Number:

ADA280792

Title:

Microbial Degradation of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB STENNIS SPACE CENTER MS

Personal Author(s):

• Little, B.
• Ray, R.
• Wagner, P.
• Tucker, W.

Report Date:

1993-07-16

Pagination or Media Count:

22.0

Abstract:

Two fiber reinforced polymer composites were examined for susceptibility to microbial degradation. Composites, resins and fibers were exposed to sulfuriron-oxidizing, calcareous-depositing, ammonium-producing, hydrogen-producing and sulfate-reducing bacteria SRB. Surfaces were uniformly colonized in all cases. Epoxy and vinyl ester neat resins, carbon fibers and epoxy composites were not adversely affected by microbial 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. Biofouling, Corrosion, Biodeterioration, Polymer, Composite, Microorganism, Degradation.

Descriptors:

• *FIBERS
• *POLYMERS
• *MICROORGANISMS
• *BIODETERIORATION
• REPRINTS
• CORROSION
• CARBON FIBERS
• CARBON
• IRON
• FOULING
• SURFACE ACTIVE SUBSTANCES
• POLYIMIDE RESINS
• COLONIES(BIOLOGY)
• PLASTICS
• ESTERS
• EPOXY COMPOSITES
• SULFATES
• SULFUR
• BONDING
• GLASS FIBERS
• SURFACES
• HYDROGEN
• GLASS
• DEGRADATION
• INTERFACES
• BACTERIA

Subject Categories:

• Biochemistry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE