Thermal oxidation aging of polydicyclopentadiene and composites

The thermal aging and oxidation behavior of polydicyclopentadiene and composites was investigated, and the effects on thermal and mechanical properties were determined. Thermal and mechanical properties were measured by dynamic mechanical analysis, static tensile test, and short-beam shear tests. Diffusion limited oxidation was observed and oxidation was limited within the surface region (similar to 100 mu m) of the sample. Single- fiber push-out test methodology was developed to directly measure the bond strength of fiber-matrix interface, and results showed that aging of composites at 150 degrees C caused significant degradation of the fiber-matrix interface, while aging at 100 degrees C for up to half a year had little effect on interface properties. The fiber-matrix interface strength near exposed surfaces decreased more quickly during aging compared to nonoxidized regions far beneath surfaces. (C) 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers