Effect of thermal ageing on the impact and flexural damage behaviour of carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy laminates

Most of the composite materials that are used in aerospace structures have been manufactured using a thermostable matrix, as epoxy resin. The region of stability of these polymers is defined by the glass transition temperature (T g ). However, operating temperatures close and above the T g can cause...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: García Moreno, Irene, Caminero Torija, Miguel Ángel, Rodríguez Donoso, Gloria Patricia, López Cela, Juan José
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2019
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Repositorio:RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM
OAI Identifier:oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/32603
Acceso en línea:http://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/11/1/80
https://hdl.handle.net/10578/32603
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Thermal ageing
Thermoset matrix
Carbon fibre-reinforced composites
Glass transition temperature
Charpy impact response
Flexural response
Descripción
Sumario:Most of the composite materials that are used in aerospace structures have been manufactured using a thermostable matrix, as epoxy resin. The region of stability of these polymers is defined by the glass transition temperature (T g ). However, operating temperatures close and above the T g can cause a variation in the properties of the polymer and consequently, modify the mechanical properties of the composite material. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the failure mechanisms that occur in the material in order to ensure stability and durability. The effect of temperature and time of exposure on the impact and flexural mechanical responses of carbon/epoxy composites are studied in this work. For that purpose, ageing treatments at temperatures below and above the T g have been considered and then, impact and flexural tests have been performed. It was observed that thermal ageing cause two different effects: at temperatures below the T g , there is an increase of the maximum strength because of a post-curing effect; however, the mechanical properties decrease at higher temperatures of thermal ageing due to the thermo-oxidation of the epoxy resin and the loss of adhesion in the matrix/fibre interface.