Composite degradation due to fluid absorption

Abstract

This experimental study investigated the combined effects of liquid (water, Skydrol, fuel, and dichloromethane) absorption, impact damage and drilling on aramid and carbon fibre/epoxy composites. The static and fatigue behaviour of the composite samples was determined after the treatments. The response to impacts was analyzed, and elastic and absorbed energy were measured. The mechanism of moisture diffusion into the composites was studied and a method for the accelerated ageing of the composites applied. Penetrant radio-opaque dye and stereo-radiography were used to determine the onset and growth of damage during fatigue life and the decay of mechanical characteristics. Optical microscopy was used to investigate the microscopic mechanisms of absorption and damage, in order to propose interpretative models.