Effect of diffusion and mechanical degradation of epoxy resin and a carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite under water exposure
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29105/mdi.v14i23.357Keywords:
epoxy resin, carbon fiber laminate, water absorption, fick diffusion, mechanical properties, hydromechanical degradationAbstract
The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of distilled water and seawater absorption on the hygroscopic behavior and mechanical properties of epoxy resin and a composite material in the form of a carbon fiber and epoxy resin sheet. To achieve this, the absorption kinetics were experimentally determined, the diffusive process of the laminate was adjusted to the Fick model, and the variation in tensile strength and elastic modulus as a function of the absorbed moisture content was analyzed. The results demonstrated that the epoxy resin had higher absorption levels close to 3% in distilled water and 2.4-2.5% in seawater, while the laminate had equilibrium absorptions of 0.29% and 0.26%, respectively. The fitted Fick model satisfactorily described the diffusion in the laminate. The strength and stiffness were progressively reduced by water absorption; the loss of tensile strength in the laminated composite material was 74% in distilled water and 47% in seawater. It is concluded that the epoxy matrix controls hygro-mechanical degradation and these results are relevant for the design of structural components in aqueous and marine environments.
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