Production and Test Analysis of Glass Fibre Composite for Different Environment using Locally Sourced Material

This study addresses a significant gap in the understanding of the tensile properties of glass fibre composites produced from locally sourced materials under various environmental conditions, specifically acidic (HNO3) and alkaline (KOH) solutions. Existing research has largely overlooked the influence of such corrosive environments on the performance of glass fibre composites, which is critical for applications in construction and manufacturing. By investigating how different fibre arrangements impact tensile strength in these conditions, we aim to provide insights that can improve material performance and durability. Our findings demonstrate that the tensile strength of the composite is significantly affected by environmental conditions, with the acidic environment yielding superior mechanical properties. The tensile tests revealed that glass fibres exposed to acidic conditions exhibited a break-load range of 3.07–4.07 kN, tensile strength of 47–58 MPa, and maximum elongation of 5.43%. In contrast, glass fibres subjected to alkaline conditions presented a break-load of 1.97–2.82 kN, tensile strength of 28–38 MPa, and maximum elongation of 4.09%. Furthermore, the volume fractions of the produced glass fibres were measured at 3.958 cm³, 1.724 cm³, 2.234 cm³, 0.436 cm³, and 0.564 cm³ for Vcs, Vgf, Vm, Vgf, and Vmf, respectively. To validate our results, we benchmarked against existing literature, highlighting the unique contributions of this work in enhancing the foundational understanding of glass fibre composites under corrosive environments. This research not only fills a critical gap but also lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at optimizing the performance of glass fibre composites in challenging conditions