Effects of Thermal and Cryogenic Conditionings on Mechanical Behavior of Thermally Shocked Glass Fiber-Epoxy Composites

• Published in: Journal of reinforced plastics and composites Vol. 24; no. 7; pp. 713 - 717
• Main Author: Ray, B. C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA SAGE Publications 01-01-2005; Sage
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; composites; polymer; temperature; adhesion; thermal shock; mechanical behavior; Fiber reinforced material; Epoxy resin; Mechanical properties; Shear strength; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Cryogenic temperature; Composite material; Matrix fiber interface; Thermal shock; Glass fiber; Damaging
• ISSN: 0731-6844; 1530-7964
• DOI: 10.1177/0731684405046081

A very large thermal expansion mismatch may result in weakening the fiber-matrix interface and/or a possible matrix cracking due to thermal shock stress. The short beam shear specimens of glass-epoxy composite were treated at 40 C for a certain time and then exposed to 40 C for different conditioning times. The treatment was performed in the opposite direction of thermal cycle. The three-point bend test was carried out at room temperature with different crosshead speeds. The debonding effect of different natures of thermal shock (up- and down-cycles) and strengthening phenomena of thermal conditionings (above and subzero temperature conditionings) were assessed in the present study for the different durations of conditioning and different states of thermal conditionings (thermal and cryogenic). The state of the interactions between fiber and polymer matrix by the treatment was reflected in the shear values of the composites.