Effect of Galvanic Current on the Physicochemical, Electrochemical and Mechanical Properties of an Aerospace Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite

摘要

Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites are attractive for use in the aerospace and automobile industries due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. When joined to aluminum metallic structures, however, the overall assembly can form a galvanic cell. Oxidation occurring on the metal and reduction of oxygen to H2O2 on the carbon fibers could cause the epoxy in the assembly to degrade, leading to water ingress and an eventual decrease in the mechanical strength of the composite.