Influence des propriétés de la matrice sur le comportement mécanique de matériaux composites verre/polyester utilisés en construction navale de plaisance - Cas des résines polyester limitant les émissions de styrène

The work performed in this study is concerned with the characterization of glass/polyester composites for the pleasure boat industry. In particular the properties of polyester resins limiting styrene emissions have been evaluated. Physico-chemical and mechnanical tests were first performed in order to understand the roles played by the constituants (matrix, fibres and fibre/matrix interface). Then a study of damage mechanisms, delamination and impact resistance, was carried out on composite specimens. Durability and the influence of the marine environment was also examined through two parameters, temperature and sea water aging. Finally the transfer from material to structure was illustrated through three aspects : the influence of fabrication (over-lamination), the behaviour of panels subjected to uniform pressure loading, and the design rules. The results of the study show that a multi-disciplinary approach, including investigation at different scales, is necessary to understand the specific characteristics of these composite materials.