Reinforced Structure Effect on Thermo-Oxidative Stability of Polymer-Matrix Composites: 2-D Plain Woven Composites and 2.5-D Angle-Interlock Woven Composites

The thermo-oxidative stability of carbon fiber polymer matrix composites with different integral reinforced structures was investigated experimentally and numerically. Specimens of 2-D plain woven composites and 2.5-D angle-interlock woven composites were isothermally aged at 180 degrees C in hot air for various durations up to 32 days. The thermal oxidative ageing led to the degradation of the matrix and the fiber/matrix interface. The degradation mechanisms of the matrix were examined by ATR-FTIR and thermal analysis. The interface cracks caused by thermal oxidative ageing were sensitive to the reinforced structure. The thermo-oxidative stability of the two composites was numerically compared in terms of matrix shrinking and crack evolution and then experimentally validated by interlaminar shear tests.

Automated summary

The thermo-oxidative stability of carbon fiber polymer matrix composites with different integral reinforced structures was investigated through experimental and numerical methods. The study found that thermal oxidative ageing led to the degradation of the matrix and the fiber/matrix interface, and the interface cracks were sensitive to the reinforced structure.