Post-curing Effects on Hygrothermal Behavior of RT-cured Glass/Epoxy Composites

摘要

Studies were carried out on RT-cured glass/epoxy composite specimens, subjected to different post-cure schedules (50, 60, 70, and 85℃ and durations) and immersed until saturation in distilled water at 50℃. The effects of different post-cure schedules, on the moisture diffusion characteristics of the composite were studied. Results showed that the saturation moisture levels decreased with increased post curing, a trend attributed to increased matrix cross-linking, as evidenced by the increase in T_g (glass transition temperature) values with extent of post cure. The diffusion parameter-like composite diffusion coefficient (D_c) and time of saturation (t_m) showed either insignificant or marginal changes, within the range of post-cure schedule considered in these studies.