Characterization of Neat and Nanophased Epoxy Polymers Subjected to Accelerated Aging Conditions

摘要

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been the interest of many researchers due to their high specific strength and stiffness, and low life-cycle cost over metallic counterparts. Much of the characterization of these materials has been carried out at room temperatures. In recent years, the focus of research has been on nanocomposites. Application of composites has emerged from the traditional aerospace to many other industries like transportation, offshore, infrastructure, construction etc. In such applications, the FRP structures are subjected to severe environmental conditions like extreme temperatures as well UV radiation. While some literature is available on the behavior of traditional FRP composites under extreme conditions, very few researchers have tried to understand the response of nanophased FRPs under such situations. Hence, an attempt is made in this work to study nanophased epoxy composites under accelerated ageing conditions. Epoxy resin was modified by incorporating nanoclay at different weight percentages using magnetic mixing method and then samples were prepared for various tests. The samples were subjected to hot (elevated temperature: dry, wet) conditions at 60 and 80 °C for 15, 45 and 90 days. Thermal, thermo-mechanical and flexural properties of these composites were studied and compared with the samples aged at room temperature. Results of this study will be described in detail and presented.