Effect of hygrothermal conditioning on the fracture toughness of carbon/epoxy composites cured in autoclave/Quickstep

Abstract

The hygrothermal effect on the flexural, interfacial and glass transition behaviors of 977-2A carbon/epoxy composites cured in an autoclave and by using Quickstep were evaluated in the previous paper. This article concerns with the hygrothermal effect on the mode I and mode II delamination resistance of the samples cured in an autoclave and by Quickstep. It was observed that the mean initiation and propagation GC values (i.e. GIC and GIIC) of both autoclave and Quickstep 60 cured specimens were apparently reduced after hygrothermal conditioning; however, the data obtained from both autoclave and Quickstep 60 cured specimens in dry and wet states were not statistically significant. The scanning electron micrograph confirmed the enhancement of matrix ductility; however, no effect of this matrix ductility was observed in the GIC and GIIC data.

Macro- and micro-interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite under hygrothermal treatments

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The Effect of Hygrothermal Aging on the Glass and Carbon Reinforced Epoxy Composites for different Stacking Sequences

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Recent Advances of GFRP Composite Cross Arms in Energy Transmission Tower: A Short Review on Design Improvements and Mechanical Properties

“…To demonstrate the improved cross arm’s performance in actual use cases, it is necessary to conduct a realistic analysis based on the recommendations for enhancement. Additionally, hygrothermal and hydrothermal test evaluations, respectively, can be used to counteract the effects of moisture at various temperatures on the cross arm [ 113 , 114 , 115 ]. Furthermore, numerous environmental elements, such as wind load, can also contribute to the failure of a structure [ 6 ].…”