ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a simple method to predict the durability of corrosion barriers in chemical services. The chemical durability of any laminate derives from the rate of penetration of the aggressive chemical in the critical corrosion barrier. The chemical interaction slows down the diffusion rate of reactive species in polymers. The chapter examines the chemicals according to their ability to react with the resin. There are reactive and non-reactive. The damage from aggressive products depends on their chemical concentration in the penetrated laminate, as well as on the penetrated depth. The damaging potential of the aggressive chemicals derives from their ability to penetrate the laminates, solubilize in the resin, and interact with the fibers and the resin matrix. The concentration varies with the solubility of the chemical in the resin. The penetrated depth varies with the exposure time, the operating temperature, and other variables.
