The degradation of structures under the influence of a marine environment tends to be rapid and disruptive compared to that of structures that are far away from these influences. Efforts to consider these impacts in the design phase are increasing, with a view to the construction of more sustainable structures. However, experimental data from which designers and builders can benefit cannot be found in the relevant literature, especially when it comes to the effects of composite degradation. In this study, we experimentally investigate the combined effects of degradation factors such as a drying-wetting cycle, the shape of the structure, the variety of materials used in the structure, and the differences in the manufacturing of the materials . The structure chosen as an example is a hybrid structural double lap joint composed of epoxy resin, fibreglass composite, and steel, which is widely used in ship structures. The experiments considered four aging periods (zero, 30, 60 and 90 days) under a wet-dry cycle in a programmable corrosion chamber, two overlap lengths (short and long), two surface roughnesses of the steel parts (50 and 90 μm), and two surface preparation alternatives (uncoated and coated with epoxy primer). The synergistic effects of these parameters on the tensile strength, deformation and toughness of the joints were evaluated, and suggestions are made for ship designers. The attention of interested parties, and particularly ship designers, is drawn to the comparative effects of these degradation agents on performance.
In this study, which can be considered a contribution to the global effort to produce sustainable materials and to search new manufacturing methods for the boat building industry, the performance of a 3D printable polylactic acid and recycled wood (PLAW) composite was investigated under the simulated operational conditions of a boat. The wood used in the composite was yellow pine (Pinus sylvestris), a local wood widely used in boat building and 8% by weight in the composite. For the study, tensile and compressive strength tests were performed in both atmospheric and post-aging conditions, using composite samples produced by the additive manufacturing method. The durations of the accelerated aging before the experiments were one, two and four weeks. During these aging periods, water spraying, a salty fog environment and a drying cycle were applied at elevated temperatures and at equal time intervals, daily. The effect of wood additive on the composite and the joining efficiency of the components were also examined with scanning and optical microscopes. The performance of the obtained composite and the effects of aging on performance were measured using two different thermal analyses: differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. From the results obtained, it can be seen that PLAW composite can be used in the manufacture of structural elements subjected to relatively low loads in boats. It is an option that will provide integrity in the future interior design of wooden boats.
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