Continuous-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics were tested for the effect of water immersion on fiber/matrix adhesion. The materials evaluated were E/PPS, AS4/PPS, E/J2, AS4/J2, S2/PEEK, AS4/PEEK, S2/PEKK, AS4/PEKK, and S2/ VECTRA. These materials were tested in uniaxial compression, transverse flexure, and short beam shear, both dry- and water-conditioned. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the quality of the fiber/matrix bond. The carbon-reinforced materials re tained adhesion after immersion. However, the glass-reinforced thermoplastics were, in general, degraded by water, which hydrolyzed the fiber/matrix bond and sig nificantly reduced the mechanicai properties.
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Adams, D.F. , T.R. King and D.M. Blackketter .1990. "Evaluation of Transverse Flexure Test Method for Composite Materials,"Composite Science and Technology, 39:341-353.
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8.
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