Accelerated weathering effects on the mechanical and surface properties of CFRP composites

This study provides data regarding the characteristics of three carbon fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) systems with three types of resins exposed to accelerated natural weathering conditions according to ASTM G-154-00a for 1000 h. The FRP system consists of three-layered CFRP sheets bonded together with an adhesive. Degussa, Sika and Fosroc were the providers of the three FRP systems. Three-point bend testing according to ASTM D790 showed that ultra-violet (UV) light exposure decreased the flexural modulus of the three-layered FRP samples by 10%, 36% and 2% for Deagussa, Fosroc and Sika samples, respectively. While the reduction for the resin samples was 11.8%, 8.3% and 14.3% for Deagussa, Fosroc and Sika samples, respectively. SEM analysis showed cracking and deterioration in the resin and FRP systems as a result of the exposure to natural weathering. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.