Control of water absorption and its effect on interlaminar shear strength of CFRC with Al2O3 dispersion

In this study the effect of water absorption on interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites (CFRC) and micro or nano sized Al2O3 particle dispersed carbon fiber hybrid reinforced composites (CFHRC) was investigated. Different weight change profiles were observed depending on experimental temperature and water absorption time. A clear drop of interlaminar shear strength was confirmed due to epoxy materials degradation, crack development at fiber matrix interfaces by thermal mismatches of matrix and fiber and/or plasticization of the epoxy matrix. The degree of water absorption of CFRC was controlled by incorporation of nano or micron-sized Al2O3 filler into the epoxy matrix. The effects of Al2O3 filler dispersion on water absorption and ILSS were also correlated.