Degradation of GFRP Marine Laminates with Nano Particle Modified Coatings

Water absorption and surface blistering behaviour was studied for polyester-matrix laminates with SiO2 nanoparticle reinforced gel coats. Accelerated water immersion tests at 37°C showed that addition of 10% nanoparticles increases blisters incubation time by ca. 50% compared to 5% and 0% nanoparticles composites.