Carbon Fiber Polymer Composites

Carbon fiber reinforced composite materials offer greater rigidity and strength than any other composites, but are much more expensive than e.g. glass fiber reinforced composite materials. Continuous fibers in polyester give the best properties. The fibers carry mechanical loads, the matrix transfers the loads to the fibers, is ductile and tough, protect the fibers from handling and environmental damage. The working temperature and the processing conditions of the composite depend on the matrix material. Polyesters are the most commonly used matrices because they offer good properties at relatively low cost. The strength of the composite increases along with the fiber-matrix ratio and the fiber orientation parallel to the load direction. The longer the fibers, the more effective the load transfer is. Increasing the thickness of the laminate leads to a reduction in the strength of the composite and the modulus of strength, since the likelihood of the presence of defects increases.

The aim of this research is to analyze the change in the mechanical properties of the polymer composite. The polymer composite consists of carbon fibers and epoxy resin. The change in compressive strength in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the fiber orientation was evaluated. At the same time, the influence of the wet environment on the change of mechanical properties of the composite was evaluated.