International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 10, October 2013)

Experimental Study on Environmental Exposure Of Kevlar

Epoxy Composites
Praveen Shaju.C1, Manikandan.T2, Sai Balaji.S3
1

Assistant Professor, Department Of Aeronautical Engineering, Sri Shakthi Institute Of Engineering And Technology,
L&T By-pass Road, Coimbatore-641062.
2
Assistant Professor, Department Of Aeronautical Engineering, Sathyabama University,
Jeppiaar Nagar,Rajiv Gandhi Road, Chennai-600119
3
Department Of Aeronautical Engineering ,Sri Shakthi Institute Of Engineering And Technology,
L&T By-pass Road, Coimbatore-641062.
Aramid composites have been found to be superior to
glass fiber composites in both tensile-tensile and flexural
fatigue loading. Aramid fibers are electrical insulators. Under para-aramid comes Kevlar and Twaron. There are different types of Kevlar fibers. They are Kevlar 29, Kevlar
49, Kevlar 68, Kevlar 119, Kevlar 129, Kevlar 149, Kevlar
HT and Kevlar KM2.

Abstract This project presents the characterization of

Kevlar fiber composites exposed to different environmental
conditions.The investigation involves the study of mechanical
behavior of the specimen made up of bi-directional kevlar149
fiber
and
epoxy
resin
of
standard
size
(280mm*18mm*3.8mm), subjected to various adverse conditions of environment at different intervals of exposure.The
objective of the research endeavor is to characterize the tensile behavior of normal as well as impacted aramid fiber composites when exposed to different environmental conditions at
three different exposure times.

Kevlar 149:
Kevlar 149 is one of the newly developed fibers in the
Kevlar family. It has a very high tensile modulus and hence
the impact resistance is very high compared to other fibers.
Kevlar 149 uptakes moisture very less when compared to
Kevlar 29 and Kevlar 49.These fibers also show resistance
to flame. Hence, it is mainly applied in the aircraft industry.

Keywordscomposites, Kevlar, Tensile strength, Impact

strength

I. INTRODUCTION
In recent years composites have received considerable attention as alternatives to steel and aluminium as structural materials
in construction,,aircraft applications,aerospace industries etc.,due
to their high strength to weight ratio,competent mechanical properties and ease of handling. As aramids have 5-10% higher mechanical properties than other synthetic fibers, these are displacing
metal wires and inorganic fibers from the market of high performance uses like various structural composites for application in
aircraft, marine and automobile, ropes for offshore oil rigs and
bullet proof vests. These fibers not only have better mechanical
properties than steel and glass fibers on an equal weight basis, but
also maintain these properties at high temperatures as aramid
polymers are excellent heat and flame resistant.

Table 1.1.
Properties of Kevlar Fibers.

Properties

Units

Kevlar29

Kevlar49

Kevlar149

Density

g/cc

1.44

1.44

1.47

Diameter

12

12

12

Tensile
strength

Mpa

3600

3600-4100

3400

Tensile

Gpa

83

130

186

II. MATERIAL SELECTION

. Aramid Fibers:
Aramid fiber is the generic term for a specific type of
aromatic polyamide fiber.Aramid fibers can be separated
into two types: the para-aramids and the meta-aramids Aramid fibers offer some significant advantages over other
fibers.Due to their highly aromatic and ordered structure,
aramids have very high thermal resistance for organic materials.

Modulus

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International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 10, October 2013)
.Matrix Material:
Matrix is the combination of adhesive and hardner. Resin and also the hardner has in the different forms or types,
matrix materials are classified according to the adhesive
and hardner.

So, to predict the strength of these fibers in such conditions, the specimens are immersed in the hydraulic fluid.
. Sulphuric Acid:
Some of the least recognized contributors to corrosion
are sand, dust and volcanic ash.Volcanic ash contains chlorides and sulphates, which are extremely corrosive in the
presence of moisture. Therefore, the specimens are immersed in 20% concentrated sulphuric acid and the
strengths are determined.

Epoxy Resin:
Epoxy is one of the major Thermoset matrix materials.
Epoxy resin, which is used in structural aerospace applications, particularly with carbon fibers, and electronics
applications such as printed circuit boards. Epoxies have
less shrinkage and higher strength/stiffness at moderate
temperatures. They are also corrosion-resistant to solvents,
alkalis, and some acids. As with polyesters, epoxy resins
can be used in most composite manufacturing processes.
They are available in different formulations to provide desired properties and optimize the manufacturing process.
Epoxies are used in resins for prepregs and structural adhesives.The extensive use of epoxy resin is due to
1. The ease with which it can be processed.
2. Excellent mechanical properties.
3. High hot and wet strength properties

. Sodium Hydroxide:
In solution, the positively charged metal ions can combine with negatively charged ions to form corrosion products, such as metallic chlorides, oxides, hydroxides and
sulphides. Sodium hydroxide is used in many industries
mostly as a strong chemical base. When this comes in contact with the moisture in the atmosphere it causes corrosion. So, the specimens are immersed in 20% concentrated
sodium hydroxide solution and the strengths are determined.
IV. PREPARATION OF THE TEST SPECIMEN
The Kevlar epoxy laminate obtained from the compression moulding machine will be having the dimensions of
300x300x3.8mm. As per ASTM D3039 standard the dimensions of the tensile test specimen should be
280x18x3.8mm.To prepare the specimens from the laminate, Water jet cutting machine which uses abrasive sand
mixed with water as cutting tool is used.

III. ENVIRONMENT SELECTION

The four different environmental solutions chosen for
testing the specimens are

Salt water
20% concentrated sulphuric acid
20% concentrated sodium hydroxide
Hydraulic Fluid (MIL-PRF-5606)

Reasons for choosing the Solutions:

. Sea Water:
Salt forms a strong electrolyte when dissolved in water,
which causes rapid corrosion of unprotected material surfaces. Kevlar 149 fibers are used for making high speed
boats especially sports boats. There are chances of fibers to
get exposed to sea water over a long period of time. So, in
order to predict the strength of fibers in such a condition,
sea water is chosen.
. Hydraulic Fluid:
The lubricants used are capable of minimizing moisture
intrusion and corrosion attack. However, at high temperatures and pressures, oils can chemically react with impurities to produce acids. Kevlar 149 fibers are used in landing
gear doors and also in the control surfaces of wings of the
aircraft. There are chances of oil spilt during overhauling
process.

Fig(a). Kevlar epoxy laminate after compression

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The normal as well as impacted specimens are immersed
in the four solutions and the strengths of the specimens are
determined by tensile testing at regular intervals of time say
64hrs, 128hrs and 512 hrs respectively. The results are then
compared with the results of the specimens before immersion.

Fig. (c) Load vs. Displacement graph for normal Specimen 1.

Fig(b) Specimens immersed in solutions

V. TENSILE TEST RESULTS

Tensile test results for normal specimen:
The pristine specimens are subjected to tensile testing
and a graph of load vs. displacement is obtained for specimen 1 and 2. From the graphs the ultimate tensile load
which the material can withstand is calculated and the average values are tabulated below in table

Fig (d) Load vs. Displacement graph for normal Specimen 2

. Tensile test results for impacted specimens:

The impacted specimens are then subjected to tensile
testing. The graphs are obtained and the readings are tabulated in the table

Table1.2
Tensile Testing Results for Normal Specimens

S.No.

Specimen 1

Ultimate Ten-

Ultimate

Average

sile

Tensile Load

mate

(Mpa)

(KN)

Load(KN)

194.861

14.030

Strength

UltiTensile

14.2525
Specimen 2

200.374

14.475

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Fig.(g) Load vs. Displacement for normal specimens immersed in sea

water for 128 hours.

Fig. (e) Load vs. Displacement graph for impacted Specimen1.

Fig. (h) Load vs. Displacement for normal specimens immersed in

20% Conc. H2SO4 for 128 hours.

Fig. (f) Load vs. Displacement graph for impacted Specimen 2

Table 1.3.
Tensile Test Results for Impacted Specimens

S.No.

Ultimate Tensile Strength

(Mpa)

Ultimate Tensile
Load
(KN)

Average Ultimate Tensile

Load (KN)

Specimen 1

211.238

13.910

13.8125

Specimen 2

204.214

13.715

. Tensile test results for normal specimens immersed in

different solutions for 128 hours:
The tensile strength of the normal specimens immersed
in different solutions for 128 hours is found out. Fig.g,h,i,j
gives the load vs. displacement graph for normal specimens
immersed in sea water, 20% conc.H2SO4, 20% conc. NaOH
and hydraulic fluid respectively.

Fig.(i) Load vs. Displacement for normal specimens immersed in 20%

Conc. NaOH for 128 hours.

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Fig.(j) Load vs. Displacement for normal specimens immersed in

Hydraulic Fluid (MIL-PRF-5606) for 128 hours.
Table.1.4
Tensile test result for normal specimens immersed in different solutions for 128 hours.

SOLUTIONS

ULTIMATE
LOAD (KN)

SALT WATER

12.355

20% CONC.H2SO4

11.450

20% CONC.NaOH

8.580

HYDRAULIC FLUID

11.135

Fig.(k) Load vs. Displacement for impacted Specimens immersed in

Sea Water for 128 hours.

TENSILE

After 128 hours salt water has the least effect towards
the specimens. The effect of 20% conc.H2SO4 and hydraulic fluid towards the specimens are also very less. But, the
effect of 20% conc.NaOH is very high.

Fig.(l) Load vs. Displacement for impacted specimen immersed in

20% Conc. H2SO4 for 128 hours.

. Tensile test results for impacted specimens immersed in

different solutions for 128 hours:
The tensile strength of impacted specimens immersed in
different solutions for 128 hours is found out. Fig.k,l,m&n
gives the load vs. displacement graphs for specimens immersed in sea water, 20% conc.H2SO4, 20% conc.NaOH
and hydraulic fluid. The results are tabulated in table 6.6.

Fig.(m) Load vs. Displacement for impacted specimens immersed in

20% Conc. NaOH for 128 hours

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Fig.(n) Load vs. Displacement for impacted specimens immersed in

Hydraulic Fluid (MIL-PRF-5606) for 128 hours.

Fig.(o) Load vs. Displacement for normal specimens immersed

in Sea Water for 512 hours.

Table 1.5.
Tensile test results for impacted specimens immersed in different
solutions for 128 hours.

SOLUTIONS

ULTIMATE
LOAD (KN)

SALT WATER

11.42

20% CONC.H2SO4

9.880

20% CONC.NaOH

8.505

HYDRAULIC FLUID

10.060

TENSILE

From the table it is seen that the reaction of acid and

base on the specimens is much higher than salt water and
hydraulic fluid. But, effect of salt water is very less.

Fig.(p) Load vs. Displacement for normal specimens immersed in

20% Conc.H2SO4 for 512 hours.

Tensile test results for normal specimens immersed in different solutions for 512 hours:
The tensile strength of normal specimens immersed in
various solutions for 512 hours is found out. Fig.o,p,q&r
gives the load vs. displacement graph for specimens immersed in sea water, 20%conc.H2SO4, 20% conc.NaOH
and hydraulic fluid respectively. The ultimate tensile
strength the material can withstand is listed in table 6.7

Fig.(q) Load vs. Displacement for normal specimen immersed in 20%

Conc.NaOH for 512 hours.

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Fig.(r) Loadvs.Displacement for normal specimens immersed in Hydraulic Fluid (MIL-PRF-5606) for 512 hours.

Fig.(s) Load vs. Displacement for impacted specimens immersed in

Sea Water for 512 hours.

Table 1.6
Tensile test result for normal specimen immersed in various solutions
for 512 hours

SOLUTIONS

ULTIMATE
LOAD (KN)

SALT WATER

13.195

20% CONC.H2SO4

11.025

20% CONC.NaOH

8.025

HYDRAULIC FLUID

9.115

TENSILE

From the table it is clear that the reaction of conc.NaOH

on specimens is much higher when compared with the other solutions. The effect of hydraulic fluid is also more but
less than the base solution.

Fig.(t) Load vs. Displacement for impacted specimens immersed in

20% Conc. H2SO4 for 512 hours.

Tensile test results for impacted specimens immersed in

different solutions for 512 hours:
The strength of the impacted specimens after 512 hours
of immersion in various fluids is listed below in table 6.8.
figs,t,u&v gives the load vs. displacement graphs for specimens immersed in sea water, 20% conc.H2SO4, 20% conc.
NaOH and hydraulic fluid respectively.

Fig.(u) Load vs. Displacement for impacted specimens immersed in

20% Conc. NaOH for 512 hours.

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The hydraulic fluid (MIL-PRF-5606) shows about
36% reduction in tensile strength at the end of 512
hours.
It is seen that as time increases the strength of the specimen immersed in salt water decreases but the reduction is
very slow. But, the strength of the normal as well as impacted specimens immersed in sodium hydroxide solution
shows a drastic reduction in tensile strength. As the immersion period increases, the strength reduces. The sodium
hydroxide solution enters into the voids very soon and reduces the strength. The reactions of the hydraulic fluid on
the specimens are also a bit slower. Compared to acid, the
base reactions are faster on the Kevlar epoxy specimens
VII. SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK

Fig.(v) Load vs. Displacement for impacted specimen immersed in

Hydraulic Fluid (MIL-PRF-5606) for 512 hours.

The experimental highlights an important aspect that environmental characterization of materials such as composites is essential for their widespread applications in newer
and novel fields of science and engineering. The technique
of adding various additives to make polymeric matrix composites resistant to various damaging environmental conditions is also an important research area seeking attention
from researchers and engineers belonging to the composite
fraternity.

Table 1.7
Tensile test for impacted specimens immersed in various solutions for
512 hours.

SOLUTIONS

ULTIMATE
LOAD (KN)

SALT WATER

10.140

20% CONC.H2SO4

10.000

20% CONC.NaOH

5.445

HYDRAULIC FLUID

9.355

TENSILE

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From the table it is clear that the reaction of base solution is very high for the specimens as the immersion period
increases. The strength reduces to half of its original
strength. The reaction of sea water and 20% conc.H2SO4 is
more or less similar.
VI. CONCLUSION
From the results and graphs obtained the following conclusions are made.
The normal specimens immersed in salt water does
not show any rapid changes, but the impacted specimens immersed in salt water shows 26.589% changes
after 512 hours of immersion.
The normal specimens immersed in 20% concentrated
H2SO4 shows about 23% reduction in strength after
512 hours and even the impacted specimens shows
only about 26% reduction. Here it is noticed that the
reduction in strength is bit rapid in the first 128 hours
and then the reaction is slower.
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