Environmental effects on the static strength and stress relaxation of a quartz fabric–reinforced, cyanate resin–matrix composite

Abstract Environmental effects are an important consideration when one is designing polymer matrix composites (PMC). The mechanical behavior of a quartz fabric–reinforced, cyanate resin–matrix composite was studied by tensile tests, compression tests, and stress relaxation tests. Compression and tensile strength as well as smaller relaxation spectra were obtained after exposing the material to different environments involving printed wire board (PWB) in aviation systems: Skydrol hydraulic oil (25°C), salt spray (5% NaCl at 95°F), alkaline solution (45 g/l 50°C), and nitric acid (304 g/l 25°C). Although only a small amount of environmental liquid was absorbed, it nonetheless had an acute effect on the mechanical properties and lifetime of the material.