Abstract
This paper presents results of long-term (upto 5 years) hydrothermal aging of wet layup carbon-epoxy composites and the unreinforced resin used for the rehabilitation of civil infrastructure. Accelerated aging as determined through moisture uptake and dynamic mechanical characterization is enabled through elevated temperatures of immersion. A two-stage model based on diffusion and relaxation/deteriorative mechanism dominated mechanisms was used to characterize moisture uptake which was correlated with effects of cure progression, moisture induced plasticization, water-molecular network interactions, fiber–matrix debonding and microcavitation type damage through changes in glass transition temperature, loss tangent peak heights and shape, and storage moduli. Effects are noted to be lower than those predicted through short-term exposures. The use of long-term exposure provides significant insight not possible previously with the traditionally used short periods and allows for the elucidation of competing mechanisms that need to be understood for the prediction of long-term response of such materials in the field.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
