Evaluation of water degradation of vinylester and epoxy matrix composites by single fiber and composite tests

Degradation of the mechanical properties of vinylester and epoxy matrix composites exposed to water has been approached by monitoring the strengths of glass and carbon fibers and resins. In addition, the fiber/matrix (F/M) interface strengths and debond lengths of single-fiber composites were determined and test results were compared to test results of macroscopic composite specimens. The single-fiber tensile test results indicate a substantial loss of the tensile strength of glass fibers and the fragmentation tests reveal loss of F/M shear strength and substantial debonding for both glass and carbon fiber composites after water exposure. The transverse strengths of the composites are also degraded to large extents. The tests results identify water degradation of the F/M interface as a major strength limiting mechanism.