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Evaluation of Water Degradation ofPolymer Matrix Composites by Micromechanical and Macromechanical Tests

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Date Issued:
2008
Abstract/Description:
Degradation of the critical components of polymer matrix composites in marine environments had been experimentally investigated. Water absorption behavior of neat resin and composite specimens was examined. The tensile strength of fibers was monitored using the single filament test. The mechanical properties of the resins were monitored by tensile, flexure, and dynamic-mechanical tests. In addition, matrix shrinkage during cure and matrix swelling after immersion in water were monitored. The integrity of the fiber/matrix (F/M) interface of the composite systems was studied using the single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT). Macroscopic composites were examined using transverse tensile and transverse flexure tests to study the influence of the integrity of the matrix and F/M interface on the macroscopic response. In addition, for characterization of F/M debonding in the SFFT, a fracture mechanics model and modified test procedure were developed.
Title: Evaluation of Water Degradation ofPolymer Matrix Composites by Micromechanical and Macromechanical Tests.
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Name(s): Ramirez, Felipe A.
Carlsson, Leif A., Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2008
Date Issued: 2008
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 164 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Degradation of the critical components of polymer matrix composites in marine environments had been experimentally investigated. Water absorption behavior of neat resin and composite specimens was examined. The tensile strength of fibers was monitored using the single filament test. The mechanical properties of the resins were monitored by tensile, flexure, and dynamic-mechanical tests. In addition, matrix shrinkage during cure and matrix swelling after immersion in water were monitored. The integrity of the fiber/matrix (F/M) interface of the composite systems was studied using the single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT). Macroscopic composites were examined using transverse tensile and transverse flexure tests to study the influence of the integrity of the matrix and F/M interface on the macroscopic response. In addition, for characterization of F/M debonding in the SFFT, a fracture mechanics model and modified test procedure were developed.
Identifier: FA00012543 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2008.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): College of Engineering and Computer Science
Subject(s): Composite materials--Mechanical properties
Polymeric composites--Testing
Fibrous composites--Testing
Polymers--Deterioration
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012543
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.