Enhanced impact-resistance of aeronautical quasi-isotropic composite plates through diffused water molecules in epoxy

Abstract In order to elucidate the hygroscopic effects on impact-resistance of carbon fiber/epoxy quasi-isotropic composite plates, low-velocity impact tests are conducted dry and hygroscopically conditioned respectively, under identical configurations. For tests, plates were immersed in hot water at 80 °C absorb a different amount moisture content (MC). Experimental results reveal that presence MC plays pivotal role by improving plates. Plates with higher percentage could behave elastically larger strain, yielding deflection loading. From SEM fractographies, it is observed small disbanding grows interface epoxy fiber due absorbed MC. After absorbing MC, most energy dissipated through elastic deformation overall less damage induced wet compare plate. We can postulate increases limit as well ductility promoting chain segmental mobility polymer molecules, which eventually leads enhancement comparison