Tensile properties of epoxy/carbon fiber laminates with different volume fractions for mathematical modelling

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Recently, there has been an increase in the use of composite materials in the automotive and aviation industries. Some passenger aircraft possess at least 50% composites in their structure. Composite materials used in the vicinity of heat sources such as aircraft engines, for example, could have their mechanical properties negatively affected from long-term thermo-oxidative (long-term elevated temperature behavior) aging phenomenon. This results in composite strength and stiffness degradations over time. Experimental study on long-term thermo-oxidative aging of composite materials is time consuming and expensive such that tests can be run at 200 °C for 10,000 hours or more. An alternative is to use a mathematical model to predict oxidative aging in composites. However, the data inputted into the model requires specific epoxy resin/carbon fiber combinations which cannot be purchased commercially. The objective of this study will be to manufacture epoxy/carbon fiber composite materials and evaluate their tensile mechanical properties. The research supported by this NSERC Alliance Catalyst Grant will be used to experimentally validate a robust model for predicting long-term thermo-oxidative aging in composites. Many industries where composites are used at elevated temperatures will benefit from this research. For example, interior automotive composite parts can reach elevated temperatures on hot summer days as well as as components near automotive engines and exhaust ducts.