Mechanical Property Evolution of Polymeric Composites Immersed in Jet Fuel

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the jet fuel influence on tensile strength of a polymeric composite material. To accomplish the goal, composite samples were immersed in a kerosene-type jet fuel (JET A-1) for a period of 137 days at room temperature. Three sample batches were studied: references, immersed samples and immersed samples which were vacuum dried. Tensile tests were carried out on each sample batch, and it was concluded that the jet fuel reduces the tensile strength of the epoxy composite while increasing the elastic modulus. The accelerated dry process ensures the partial desorption of kerosene, but it does not ensure an improvement of composite mechanical properties. The overall conclusion of the study is that jet fuel has a negative influence over the studied bare carbon fiber reinforced polymer tensile strength on long term due to degradation of polymeric matrix.