CRYOGENIC EXPOSURE EFFECTS ON CFRP COMPOSITES: MULTI-SCALE INVESTIGATION VIA TENSILE TESTING AND AFM ANALYSIS

This study investigates the effects of short-term cryogenic exposure on the interfacial properties of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites (CFRPs). Macro-scale tensile testing following ASTM D3039 standards revealed minimal change in tensile strength and modulus after 6- and 24- hour liquid nitrogen immersion. However, nanoscale analysis using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) revealed significant degradation in the interphase region. Modulus and adhesion mapping highlighted cryogen-induced changes not reflected in global mechanical performance. Complementary permeability and DSC testing support these findings, suggesting that interfacial sensitivity serves as an early indicator of degradation. These results provide insight into the long term performance of CFRPs in cryogenic and space-like environments.