Short term isothermal aging of epoxy resin and epoxy‐carbon fiber composites

Abstract Short term isothermal aging of a neat epoxy resin and one ply epoxy‐carbon fiber composite has been performed. The glass transition temperature, T_g of the neat epoxy resin aged at 204°C increased with aging time. The weight loss of the neat epoxy resin due to aging increased with aging temperature and aging time. The weight loss of the epoxy–carbon fiber composite during aging was slightly less than that of the neat resin. SEM microscopy showed the presence of voids and pores on the surface of the composite due to loss of low molecular weight volatiles. The amount and the size of the voids formed during aging increased with aging temperature and time.