Life-cycle evaluation of the moisture absorption and desorption behaviors of prepreg-based carbon fiber reinforced plastic

Abstract

Moisture absorption and desorption by a matrix resin, and the resulting deformation, exert a critical adverse effect on the shape stability of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) space structures. This study evaluates the effect of the moisture content of prepreg sheets on the life-cycle behavior of the prepreg-based CFRP. After evaluating the moisture absorption and desorption characteristics of the prepreg sheets, the cure-induced strain and moisture absorption and desorption deformations were measured, employing embedded optical fiber sensors. Furthermore, to investigate the relationship between the moisture absorption and desorption behaviors and the chemical structure of the matrix resin, its structure was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Since absorption and desorption are dependent on the matrix resin, two types of resins were evaluated: epoxy resin and a low moisture absorption cyanate resin. Finally, recommendations for the manufacture and operation of CFRP space structures are offered, with respect to maintaining their long-term shape stability.

Keywords:

• shape stability
• life-cycle monitoring
• optical fiber sensor
• in-situ strain monitoring
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI; Grant Number 26220912. The authors are grateful to Shimadzu Corporation for their assistance with the FTIR measurements.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the JSPS [KAKENHI; Grant Number 26220912].