Determination of Mechanical Properties of Glass-Epoxy Composites in High Temperatures

The objective of this study is to determine the tensile, compressive, and shear properties of unidirectional glass/epoxy composite plates under room (similar to 20 degrees C) and high (40, 60, 80, and 100 degrees C) temperatures. Mechanical properties were determined according to the ASTM standards. A hot lamination press was used for fabrication of composite plates. For curing process, laminated plates were retained at a constant pressure (250 kPa) and 120 degrees C during 2 h. And then, composite plate is cooled to room temperature at the same pressure. The fiber volume fraction of laminated composite plate is measured as 65%. Experimental results show that the mechanical properties (except for the transverse tensile strength) of glass/epoxy composites are reduced by increasing temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:1437-1441, 2009. (C) 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers