The Effect of Hygrothermal Aging on the Microcracking Properties of of Some Carbon Fiber/Polyimide Laminates

Abstract

Hygrothermal aging in the absence of external loads can lead to spontaneous formation of matrix microcracks in carbon fiber laminates made with Avimid ® K polymer. The microcracks are caused by a water-induced decrease in the laminate microcracking toughness. A parallel decrease in neat K polymer toughness suggests that changes in the matrix play a role in water-induced microcracks.