Effects of hydrophobic barrier films on the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composites immersed in water

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Issue Date
2012
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Authors
Kececi, Erkan
Asmatulu, Ramazan
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Kececi, Erkan; Asmatulu, Ramazan. 2012. Effects of hydrophobic barrier films on the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composites immersed in water. ASME 2011 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, vol. 1:Paper No. IMECE2011-62752:pp. 913-919, Advances in Aerospace Technology; Energy Water Nexus; Globalization of Engineering; Posters Denver, Colorado, USA, November 11–17, 2011

Abstract

Fiber reinforced composites are subjected to a wide range of mechanical loads and environmental conditions, such as wind, high/low temperature, moisture, UV light and aggressive solvents. Compared to other structural materials, polymers can absorb more moisture and UV light from outside environment and lose their material properties (e.g., mechanical, electrical, surface and thermal) and thus the service life. In this study, hydrophobic barrier films including polyvinylfluoride (PVF) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) were applied on the carbon, Kevlar, and glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin composites (laminate and sandwich structures), and then the effects of moisture absorption on those films were investigated in detail. The coupons were immersed in water for a number of days in order to determine the changes in mechanical properties of the composites. Three point bending tests were applied to the laminate composites, while four point bending tests were conducted on the Nomex sandwich structured composites. We found that moisture absorption could be eliminated by using these hydrophobic films. We found that PEEK film could be an alternative barrier film for the aircraft industry.

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