Hybrid metal-ceramic thermo-oxidation protection layers for polymer matrix composites

Abstract

The use life of a high temperature polymeric composite is often reduced by the surface oxidation and ensuing degradation mechanisms. Oxidation and damage are closely coupled and oxidation accelerates after the onset of damage. Protective surface plies and coatings that decelerate or delay the oxidation-induced damage extend the useful life of high temperature composite structures. However, several earlier attempts were stymied by coating adhesion and durability problems. In this paper, we present a thermo-chemo-mechanical performance evaluation of lightweight metal thin film protective layers deposited on polymer matrix composites. The conceptual design of the barrier coating and the key step of fabricating metal top coats is described in this paper. The coating is applied on neat resins, lamina and laminates enabling the investigation of its effectiveness for oxidation and damage progression. ©2010 Society for Experimental Mechanics Inc.