Effects of ambient aging of 5245C/graphite prepreg on composition and mechanical properties of fabricated composites

Abstract A bismaleimide modified epoxy 5245C/graphite prepreg was subjected to ambient conditions for periods up to 140 days. The effect of this ambient aging on the prepreg composition and mechanical properties of composites fabricated from aged prepreg was investigated. The results show that small but definite composition changes occur as a result of ambient aging. These compositional changes are also reflected in small decreases in shear and flexural properties at room and elevated temperatures, dry and wet.