Effects of Moisture Absorption on the Dynamic Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Carbon/Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Effects of moisture absorption on the dynamic mode II interlaminar fracture behavior of two different kinds of carbon/epoxy composites at a low impact rate of 0.9 m/s were studied. ENF specimens were preconditioned under three different environmental conditions, that is, dry, 80°C-90% RH and 80°C-wet. Mode II interlaminar fracture toughnesses, G _IIC, of the composites were then evaluated under quasi-static and dynamic loading. The results showed that moisture absorption had an influence on the G_IIC values of the composites. The experimental results also exhibited that the impact loading condition tended to decrease the G _IIc values. Scanning electron micrography was also performed to characterize the micromechanisms of mode II interlaminar fracture. Effects of moisture absorption on the mode II interlaminar fracture behavior were then discussed on the basis of the results of the interlaminar fracture testing and microscopic studies.

Keywords

delamination interlaminar fracture toughness hygrothermal effect impact testing

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