In this study, we examine the variation in residual stresses in polymer matrix composites with cyclic changes in hygrothermal environments by measuring the axial stresses in the fiber of single-carbon fiber/epoxy resin model composites using Raman microspectroscopy. To change the temperature and water absorption in the specimens separately and simultaneously, the specimens were (1) heated and cooled at atmospheric environment, (2) immersed in water and dried at room temperature, and (3) immersed in hot water (80°C) and cooled to room temperature in water and then dried. All specimens were thus restored to their initial states and then evaluated. In the cases of (1) and (2), the fiber stresses reverted to almost the same as their initial states, but in the case of (3) the axial stress after hygrothermal cyclic change was more compressive compared to the initial state. The differences among the results of the three cases are discussed based on the fiber stresses at elevated temperature, which were evaluated by Raman microspectroscopic measurement performed at temperatures ranging from room temperature to those above the glass-transition temperature of the epoxy matrix resin.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.