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Transverse moisture sensitivity of aramid/epoxy composites

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Abstract

Transverse tensile properties of Kevlar 49 aramid/Fiberite 934 epoxy composites have been measured as a function of moisture content. Moisture effects are substantial: losses of 14% in stiffness, 35% in strength and 27% in elongation were observed at 25‡ C. These losses were caused by the expected degradation mechanisms of matrix plasticization and interface weakening and also by an unexpected mechanism which altered the filaments at higher moisture contents. The filaments appear to become more radially compliant with the introduction of moisture and tend to crack internally. This behaviour may be caused by the moisture interrupting what hydrogen bonding is initially present in the filament defect structure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts institute of Technology, 02139, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

    Ronald E. Allred & David K. Roylance

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  1. Ronald E. Allred
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  2. David K. Roylance
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Allred, R.E., Roylance, D.K. Transverse moisture sensitivity of aramid/epoxy composites. J Mater Sci 18, 652–656 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00745562

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00745562

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