Experimental Assessment of the Strength of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics Before and After Exposure to Sea Water

The results of the experimental studies of carbon plastics (under interlayer shear and bending) at test temperatures of +23 and –50°C after their prolonged exposure to seawater are presented. Two batches of samples were manufactured for testing: without defects and with a surface defect in the form of a notch. It was found that the strength of the defective samples after their prolonged exposure to seawater decreases by 18%, while the mechanical characteristics of the samples without defects change within 3%.