Effect of Fiber-Reinforcement Material on the Leakage Failure in Polymer Composite Pressure Piping

Fiber-reinforced polymer composite piping has traditionally been produced using E-glass fiber materials. E-glass has been the preferred reinforcement phase due to its good corrosion resistance, low cost and wide availability. However, in recent years other materials have emerged on the market, or are becoming competitive in price. Mineral based basalt fibers and high-performance S-glass are examples of such materials. In the present study the performance of basalt and S-glass reinforcements was investigated in comparison to a commonly used advanced E-glass fiber material. Employing the same epoxy matrix phase, specimens from the various fiber materials were produced, and their leakage behavior was assessed using experimental means. It was observed that the type of fiber reinforcement had limited effect on leakage behavior of pressure-retaining pipe structures.