Physical Aging in Graphite Epoxy Composites.
Abstract
Matrix-dominated mechanical behavior of a graphite/epoxy composite has been found to be affected by sub-Tg annealing. Postcured (+ or -45 deg)4s specimens of Thornel 300 graphite/Narmco 5208 epoxy were quenched from above Tg and given a sub-Tg annealing at 140 deg C for times up to l0(exp 5) min. The ultimate tensile strength, strain-to-break, and toughness of the composite material were found to decrease as functions of sub-Tg annealing time. No weight loss was observed during the sub-Tg annealing. The time-dependent change in mechanical behavior is explained on the basis of free-volume changes that are related to the physical aging of the nonequilibrium glassy network-epoxy. The results imply possible changes in composite properties with service time. jg p3
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA302998
Entities
People
- Eric S. Kong
- Howard G. Nelson
- Susanna M. Lee
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration