Variation of the mechanical properties of E-glass/epoxy composites subjected to hygrothermal aging

Abstract

In this study, the effects of hygrothermal aging on the mechanical properties and impact behavior of glass-epoxy composites were investigated experimentally. The vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding was used to manufacture composites. In manufacturing of composites, unidirectional E-glass fabrics with areal density of 300 g/m2 and a resin system (Araldite LY 564/Aradur 3487 BD) were used. In order to determine mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity, longitudinal and transverse strengths, shear strength, and Poisson’s ratio, the composite samples were prepared according to the ASTM standards. Then, the samples were conditioned at a constant temperature (95℃) and a constant humidity (70%) for different periods of times, ranging from 0 h to 1200 h. The conditioning temperature was chosen due to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the intact composites which is determined as 78℃. It is noted that the most affected mechanical property via material degradation is modulus of elasticity in transverse direction (E2) while the least affected one is shear modulus (G12). The perforation threshold of the composite materials also decreases with increase of conditioning time.

On the Thermal Fatigue of a Room-Cured Neat Epoxy and Its Composite

“…Results showed significant degradation of the tensile and shear strengths of their soaked specimens, while a negligible degradation was observed in the dry samples' mechanical properties. Moreover, Dogan and Atas [19] experimentally investigated the effects of hygrothermal aging on the mechanical properties and impact behavior of unidirectional glass-epoxy composites. Their specimens were conditioned at a constant temperature of 95˚C and a constant humidity of 70% for different periods of times, ranging from 0 h to 1200 h. The properties evaluated were the modulus of elasticity, longitudinal, transverse and shear strengths, and Poisson's ratio.…”

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of GFRP Composites with Fillers

“…Glass Fiber reinforced composites had been widely used for manufacturing plane and spacecraft structural components because of their unique mechanical and physical properties such as high power and high hardness. [1][2][3][4][5] The matrix, that's continuous and surrounds the alternative section, regularly referred to as reinforcing segment. Epoxy is extensively used in the fabrication of composites; they're a category of thermoset substances of distinctive substances to structural engineers promising to the fact that they offer a completely distinctive balance of chemical and mechanical properties blended with huge processing versatility [9].…”

“…Among the reinforcing materials, glass fibers are the most often utilized in structural structures by considering their high strength. Glass epoxy composites are facing important issues after they exposed to environmental conditions like wetness, humidity, high temperatures and Water absorption shows important impact on mechanical properties of the composites [2,6,7] The physical and mechanical properties of the composite materials are reducing considerably after they are exposed to wetness and water conditions [8,9].…”

The Effect of Hygrothermal Aging on the Glass and Carbon Reinforced Epoxy Composites for different Stacking Sequences

“…The durability of polymer matrix composite materials (PCMs) under environmental conditions has become an ongoing concern for the industry and researcher due to increasing use of polymer composite materials. In some application areas, environmental factors, such as heat, moisture, ultraviolet rays and loads may degrade the material properties [2,3]. In some applications, PCMs may be exposed to some hygrothermal conditions with high temperature and moisture content and this environment will lead to deterioration of composites properties [4,5].…”