Abstract
The fiber/matrix interface of GFRP governs the stress transfer between the fiber reinforcement and the resin matrix, moreover, affects the mechanical properties of GFRP. In fact, the interfacial adhesion of GFRP degrades in corrosive environment and leads to the interfacial debonding and the decrease of the mechanical properties. This paper deals with the degradation of interfacial adhesive strength within E-glass/epoxy interface after hydrothermal aging (i.e. immersion into hot water). Tensile tests of unidirectional GFRP laminate and cruciform shaped single fiber composite (SFC) were conducted in the fiber transverse direction to evaluate the residual strength of unidirectional GFRP and the interfacial adhesive strength after hydrothermal aging. The strength of the unidirectional GFRP decreased sharply in the early stage of hydrothermal aging and had a tendency to saturate toward certain strength. It was suggested that the residual strength of unidirectional GFRP after hydrothermal aging was dominant to the weight gain due to the water uptake regardless of the water temperatures. The interfacial adhesive strength of SFC also decreased sharply in the early stage of hydrothermal aging and continued to decrease with hydrothermal aging.
