Engineering Commons^™

Coupled Effects In Dielectric And Thermal Properties Of Polymer Matrix Composite Structures Due To Moisture Absorption, Partha Pratim Das, Monjur Morshed Rabby, Vamsee Vadlamudi, Kenneth Reifsnider, Rassel Raihan

Institute of Predictive Performance Methodologies (IPPM-UTARI)

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are being used in number of fields including aerospace, marine, sports, medical, power sectors, etc. due to their lightweight nature while retaining high mechanical performance in terms of high specific strength, stiffness, and great fatigue properties. However, the applicability of these materials is restricted by their stability up to a certain temperature (i.e. glass transition temperature) and environmental degradation (i.e. moisture, UV light, etc.). Moisture ingression greatly reduces their mechanical properties altering material structure by causing polymer plasticization, chain scission and fiber-polymer interface deterioration. These changes instantaneously affect the thermal properties of the materials which …