Effect of hydrothermal ageing on the thermal and delamination fracturebehaviour of CFRP composites

This work investigates the hydrothermal ageing behaviour of a carbon fibre reinforced laminate and itsepoxy matrix in bulk conditions. A model DGEBA epoxy is employed, and water uptake and dynamicmechanical thermal (DMTA) analyses have been performed on both the composites and bulk resin. Fracturetoughness of the bulk resin has been measured, evidencing a substantially unmodified critical stressintensity factor KIC, although the evidence of plasticisation effects given by DMTA. Interlaminar Mode Ifracture toughness of the composite showed a variable trend towards slight decreases or slight increases,according to the prevailing toughening or embrittling mechanisms activated by the aging conditions.