Degradation of hybrid aramid/glass/epoxy composites hydrothermally aged in distilled water

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of distilled water on the flexural and impact properties of glass/aramid fibers reinforced epoxy resin hybrid laminated composites. Four different groups of composite samples ([G(6)](S), [A(6)](S), [G(3)A(3)](S), [A(3)G(3)](S)) were produced by the vacuum infusion method (VARIM), and treated with the distilled water at a temperature of 25 and 70 degrees C for 1000 h. Mechanical tests were carried out under three different conditions, dry, wet, and re-dried. The mass gain ratio of the samples was examined for different periods. The fracture surfaces of the samples were examined using SEM. Results indicated that water intake of all composite samples followed as Fickian-like behavior. The stacking sequence of hybrid composite showed a major effect on water absorption features. The distilled water treatment caused a significant decrease in flexural strength, impact strength of all groups. Reduction of flexural strength and impact strength were increased as the temperature was increased for both impact tests.

Automated summary

The study found that distilled water treatment led to a significant decrease in flexural and impact strength of the hybrid composite materials, with reductions increasing as temperature rose. Water intake of all composite samples followed a Fickian-like behavior, and the stacking sequence of hybrid composites had a major effect on water absorption features.