Composite Material of Polyester Matrix and Fiberglass: Petroleum Aging

This work presente a type of composite material that can be used in the manufacture or repair of ducts in draining of petroleum and derivatives. The characterization of microstructures, identification of the type of matrix and volumetric fraction of the composite material are presented. The composite material was submitted the aging in petroleum for a maximum period of 30 days in the temperature of 60°C and atmospheric pressure. The microstructural characterization was effected before and after the procedure of aging in petroleum. The composite material used has polyester matrix and continuous fiberglass and lined. The microstructure after the aging indicated the absorption of petroleum for the composite material, mainly for infiltration through the surface and porosities and for the interface between fiber and matrix. Also, curve of absorption of petroleum in function of the time is presented. The absorption of petroleum was lower in the initial times, mainly in first the 10 hours, after which were verified the stabilization.