Effect of Different Environmental Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of CFRP Composites

Abstract

Carbon Fiber–Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) are extremely strong and stiff. They possess high corrosion resistance and their usage increase where rigidity and high strength-to-weight ratio are needed. Therefore they have been gaining wide usage in number of applications such as aerospace, marine, defense, civil and automobile as of their greater advantages. However the performances of these composites suffer when they are exposed to adverse environmental conditions such as moisture and high temperatures. This study work has been carried out to investigate the effect of environment on carbon composites. The primary purpose of this research study is to explore the degradation of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymers CFRP composites under various environmental conditions. The environmental conditions have been limited to influence of water uptake and high temperature in this study and the effect of environmental conditions on the tensile strength and modulus of the CFRP composites. For the very purpose, laminates of IM7/977-2 are designed and manufactured. Tensile testing on dry/wet coupons under room/high temperature conditions are conducted to investigate the degradation in strength and modulus of CFRP composites.