Water Influence on the Uniaxial Tensile Behavior of Polytetrafluoroethylene-Coated Glass Fiber Fabric

Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated glass fiber fabrics are used for long-lasting membrane structures due to their outstanding mechanical properties, chemical stabilities, and satisfying service life. During their operation time, different environmental impacts might influence their performance, especially regarding the mechanical properties. In this contribution, the impact of water on the tensile strength deterioration was assessed experimentally, providing evidence of considerable but partially reversible loss of strength by up to 20% among the various types of investigated industrially established fabrics.

Keywords

• polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated glass fiber fabric
• uniaxial tensile strength and stiffness
• water diffusion and degradation mechanisms
• in-plane and out-of-plane water seepage