Combined hygrothermal aging and mechanical loading effect on unidirectional glass/epoxy composites

Composites are subjected to different use conditions. Hence, the mechanical properties under aging conditions crucial in composite field. This study aims investigate effect of a glass/epoxy unidirectional three distinct conditions: mechanical, hygrothermal (hot water), and combined (mechanical hygrothermal) aging. The composites longitudinal [0°] transversal [90°] directions were molded by RTM with 37% volume fraction. effects on tensile, compressive, shear, short-beam properties, dynamic-mechanical characteristics, 0° 90° fiber direction, studied. affected differently, depending property analyzed. Comparing aged non-aged composites, tensile (from 380 GPa 140 from 80 40 for directions, respectively) compressive strength 250 MPa 50 100 25 showed greater relative drop than elastic modulus (a decrease 3–4 all analyzed compared no-aged composites) due deleterious interface chemical present polymeric matrix attenuates it. Besides, measured direction more most property.