Modified Charpy-Type Impact Analysis of Thin-Layer Composites After Short-Term Saline Exposure

Thin-layer composites provide strength and stiffness while protecting the part, and are exposed to various environmental factors. In this study, the short-term impact behavior of thin-layer composites in a 3.5% NaCl aqueous medium (seawater-like) was investigated. Double-layered glass-glass (GG), carbon-carbon (CC), and glass-carbon (GC) composites were produced with vacuum infusion methods. Then, these composites were cut and exposed to seawater for 24 hours. After 24 hours immersion, samples were subjected to a modified Charpy-type impact test using a 15 J hammer to evaluate changes in their energy absorption capacity. Short-term immersion caused an initial rise in the energy absorbing capability of homogeneous thin-layer composites due to matrix plasticization. Increases in impact resistance of 21.59% and 5.39% were observed in GG and CC samples, respectively. Despite a marginal increase in total absorbed energy in hybrid GC samples, a decrease of 3.81% in impact resistance was observed.