Abstract
Samples of several fibre-reinforced epoxies and fibre-reinforced PEEK were exposed to steam. The moisture absorption characteristics, longitudinal shear modulus and loss factor, and the interlaminar shear strength were monitored, with a view to assessing the feasibility of the use of dynamic measurements as a nondestructive tool for determining the structural integrity of polymer composites degraded by moisture. The degree of damage inflicted by steam depended on the type of polymer matrix. Epoxy resin reinforced with glass fibre was more degraded than when reinforced with carbon fibre, suggesting that the interphase plays a role in the response to moisture conditioning. The longitudinal shear modulus was found to be a reliable indicator of the interlaminar shear strength of polymer composites. Changes in the shear loss factor were more sensitive to the loss of interlaminar shear strength, but were less useful for extremely hydrophilic materials.
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