Abstract
In this paper, the failure mechanisms of environmentally degraded hybrid glass/carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites that are subjected to tensile loading are examined. The test specimens are manufactured by vacuum bag molding and the hybrid laminates are exposed to 5 wt% nitric acid at room temperature. The study is carried out by using a combination of Acoustic Emission (AE) nondestructive testing and scanning electron microscopy. Matrix cracking, matrix-fiber debonding, and fiber failure are found to be the main causes of reduction of mechanical properties of the exposed specimens. Unlike the control sample, the exposed specimens show an additional group of acoustic emission events that could be correlated to a delamination between glass and carbon fiber layers. It can be concluded that the synergistic effect of the corrosive environment and stress induced by ion exchange phenomenon has led to fiber scission; which in turn has reduced the load-bearing capabilities of the composite specimens.
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