Effect of UV Radiation Exposure and Simulated Particle Erosion Damage on the Mechanical Behavior of Carbon/Glass Hybrid Composites

The environments found in space research pose numerous challenges to the materials used in aerospace structures, such as high incidence of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and micrometeorite impacts. Therefore, this work analyzes the combined effects of exposure to UV radiation and damage caused by sandblasting on the mechanical performance of a hybrid composite of epoxy matrix reinforced with carbon and glass fibers to simulate service conditions both in low Earth orbit (LEO) and in exoplanet environments. The blasting was carried out with silica particles with dimensions compatible with those found in the dust of the Martian atmosphere, and the damage produced by these particles has dimensions similar to those observed in several impact/wear events of structures exposed to LEO conditions. A qualitative analysis of the effect of UV radiation carried out by colorimetry showed a significant change in the color of the material, which became more greenish and yellowish. This color change is indicative of degradation processes in the polymer matrix. FT-IR analysis showed an increase in the carbonyl band with increasing aging time, which is consistent with the color change measured in the material. However, the interlaminar shear strength was not affected by UV radiation in the time used in this work. This behavior was attributed to the fact that UV radiation initially causes deterioration only on the surface of the material. From the results of the bending tests, both the three-point bending test and impulse excitation test, it was found that the effect of UV radiation on the elastic modulus of the composites was more important than the effect of blasting damage. It was also observed that initial UV exposure, prior to sandblasting, has a synergistic effect on the deterioration of flexural strength.