An experimental investigation was undertaken to determine the effects of marine environmental exposure on the mechanical properties of vinylester resins (VE510A and VE8084) and carbon fiber/VE510A vinylester composites. The effect of carbon fiber sizing on the composite strengths was also examined. Neat resins were exposed to marine environments until moisture content reached a point of saturation after which they were tested in tension, compression and shear. Compared to the baseline dry specimens, specimens subjected to moisture showed overall increased ductility and a reduction in strength. Dry and moisture saturated composite specimens were tested in tension and compression in different orientations. Longitudinal specimens were tested in in-plane shear and interlaminar shear. Composites with F-sized carbon fibers displayed overall higher strength than those with G-sized fibers at both dry and moisture saturated conditions. An analysis of moisture absorption of the composites was performed which vii shows that the moisture up-take is dominated by the fiber/matrix region which absorbs up to 90% of the moisture. The composites experienced reduced strength after moisture absorption. The results revealed that the fiber sizing has stronger effect on the fiber/matrix interface dominated strengths than moisture up-take. / by Alexander M. Figlionini. / Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fau.edu/oai:fau.digital.flvc.org:fau_3766 |
| Contributors | Figliolini, Alexander M., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering |
| Publisher | Florida Atlantic University |
| Source Sets | Florida Atlantic University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | xx, 126 p. : ill. (some col.), electronic |
| Rights | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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