Rapid evaluation of thermal aging of a carbon fiber laminated epoxy composite

This study concentrated on the thermal aging mechanism and lifetime of a carbon fiber laminated epoxy composite. Samples of the laminated composite and the neat resin (as a contrast) were exposed in air circulating ovens set at 90, 120, and 150°C for various periods of time up to 13 days. The flexural properties combining with FTIR, weight loss, DSC, SEM, and surface morphology analyses were performed on the unaged and aged samples. The flexural strength of the composite deteriorated by a factor of 3 as a result of weight loss, microcrack formation, and chain scissions. The two‐way ANOVA results indicated that the aging time had significant effect on the flexural strength of the composite and the aging temperature had no significant effect on it. Two statistical models were established to predict the residual flexural strength and lifetime of this composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:975–984, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers