A Mechanism for Blistering of Carbon Fiber Composites

Abstract

Blisters containing fluid with a high pH were induced in a carbon fiber vinyl ester polymer matrix composite by cathodic polarization in a sodium chloride solution. The oxygen content of the solution was varied in order to determine the effect of oxygen on the blister process. It was found that increasing the oxygen content in solution decreased the time for blister initiation, indicating that the reduction of oxygen to form hydroxyl ions was an important reaction. Calculations indicated that a similar cumulative charge density was required for blister initiation for the different oxygen contents, confirming the importance of oxygen to the blister process. A mechanism for blister formation dependent upon oxygen reduction to hydroxyl ions and the subsequent formation of an osmotic cell is outlined from the results of this study

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 03, 1994
Accession Number
ADA286252

Entities

People

  • Robert M. Brown
  • S. K. Miriyala
  • T. J. Rockett
  • Wayne C. Tucker

Organizations

  • University of Rhode Island

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Carbon Fibers
  • Charge Density
  • Composite Materials
  • Current Density
  • Diffusion
  • Engineering
  • Graphitic Materials
  • Hydroxides
  • Laminates
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Metals
  • Partial Pressure
  • Polymer Matrix Composites
  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Steady State
  • Water

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Organic Chemistry