Justification of the use of polymer composite materials for the manufacture of marine oil tanks

This article addresses the issue of determining the ability of marine diesel oil to penetrate into the structure of a composite material made with reinforcing glass fabrics and a polyester binder. The penetration capability is assessed by measuring the weight change of samples cut from a standard plate of polymer composite material before and after immersion in a container with marine diesel oil for a specified duration. A low penetration rate of diesel oil into this material has been established, depending on its structure—specifically, on the arrangement of reinforcing materials and whether or not the edges were treated with polyester resin after cutting from the standard plate. The mechanical properties (tensile, compressive, and flexural strength) of the composite material after removal from diesel oil are reported. This study also examines how processing the ends of cut samples with polyester resin affects marine diesel oil penetration into polymer composite structures. The influence of sample layering (glass wool and roving fiberglass) in a liquid medium (diesel oil) on mechanical characteristics during bending, stretching, and compression is analyzed. The article presents research findings that demonstrate a direct correlation between ultimate strength, breaking force, and the number of roving layers in polymer composite materials treated with polyester resin. Experimental results reveal how diesel oil penetrates composite materials, altering their mechanical properties upon immersion in a liquid medium. Findings from an experimental study on various reinforcement schemes confirm the feasibility of using these materials in ship hull structures. Specifically, these materials are recommended for manufacturing marine tanks designed for storing diesel oil.