Interfacial Integrity of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Matrix Interface Under Environmental Conditions

This chapter focuses on molecular dynamics (MD) studies on the effect of various environmental exposures on interfacial interactions and mechanical behaviors of carbon fiber/epoxy matrix interface in CFRP composite. Various environmental exposures are investigated, including wet, salt, elevated temperature, and hygrothermal environments. Interfacial peeling and shearing in normal and horizontal directions under constant velocity, constant force, and cyclic loads are carried out to assess the deformation and load transfer characteristics of fiber/matrix interface, which are correlated to the variations of structural characteristics of epoxy molecule close to fiber surface and the interactions between interface and surrounding environment. By observing the evolution of interfacial structure during loading process, the mechanics of fiber/matrix interface under environmental conditions is explored. The molecular simulation results contribute to the fundamental knowledge of effects of environmental exposures on the mechanical behavior of carbon fiber/epoxy matrix interface.