Analysis of the Mechanical Properties and Damage Mechanism of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites under UV Aging |
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| Authors: | Zhongmeng Shi Chao Zou Feiyu Zhou Jianping Zhao |
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| Institution: | 1.School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China; (Z.S.); (C.Z.); (F.Z.);2.Jiangsu Key Lab of Design and Manufacture of Extreme Pressure Equipment, Nanjing 211816, China |
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| Abstract: | The UV durability of carbon fiber composites has been a concern. In this work, UV irradiation on carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials was performed using an artificial accelerated UV aging chamber to investigate the effect of UV exposure on carbon fiber composites. UV aging caused some of the macromolecular chains on the surface resin to break, resulting in the loss of small molecules and loss of mass. After 80 days of UV irradiation exposure, a significant decline in the macroscopic mechanical properties occurred in the longitudinal direction, with the largest decrease of 23% in longitudinal compressive strength and a decreasing trend in the transverse mechanical properties at the later stage of aging. The microscopic mechanical properties of the CFRP specimens were characterized using nanoindentation, and it was found that UV aging had an embrittlement effect on the matrix, and its hardness/modulus values were higher than the initial values with UV exposure. The fibers were less affected by UV irradiation. |
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| Keywords: | CFRP ultraviolet aging mechanical properties nanoindentation aging mechanisms |
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