Degradation of Composite Materials by the Effect of Water

J. ALBERCA; P.E. MONTEMARTINI; E.S. RODRIGUEZ; V.A. ALVAREZ

Advances in Materials Science Research. Volume 15

Nova Science Publisher

Lugar: New York; Año: 2012;

This chapter deals on the degradation kinetics of thermosetting matrix / fiber reinforced composites. The diverse processes that take place during the degradation were analyzed. It was established that the damage occurs in the matrix, in the fibers and at the fiber/matrix interface. The material suffers fiber corrosion, which causes the dissolution of alkaline species around the fibers. Besides, the matrix undergoes a hydrolysis process, and at high temperatures depending on temperature, this can lead to microcracking caused by osmotic damage. Degradation at the interface greatly depends on microcracking, if this happens water absorption is significant and mechanical properties are severely affected. The aim of this contribution is to establish the real processes that take place during life in service of polymeric matrix/fiber reinforced composites