Tensile behaviour of unaged and hygrothermally aged discontinuous Bouligand structured CFRP composites

Abstract The aim of this article is to determine the effects hygrothermal ageing on tensile behaviour asymmetric discontinuous helicoidally stacked (Bouligand structured) carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites. Eight different Bouligand stacking sequences were manufactured using both major and minor pitch angles. angles used 90° 120° while at 5°, 10°, 15° 25° from each composites tested in tension as either dry unaged specimens or following seawater constant temperatures 40°C 60°C for over 2000 h. Both modulus strength are found be detrimentally affected by extent which affects these properties shown a function inter-ply angle. All structured that hygrothermally aged higher temperature less stiff weaker than those unaged. This result increased heat exacerbating ingress water consequently damaging fibre-matrix interfaces plasticizing matrix. results showed had clear stiffness Composites with exhibited superior elastic values compared Hashin damage model accurate predicting failure CFRP composites, evidenced comparison fracture paths observed after mechanical testing.