Accession Number:

ADA071067

Title:

Thermal Characteristics of 3501-6/AS and 5208/T300 Graphite Epoxy Composites.

Descriptive Note:

Research rept. Feb-Sep 78,

Corporate Author:

NAVAL WEAPONS CENTER CHINA LAKE CA

Personal Author(s):

• Kubin,Robert F.

Report Date:

1979-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

24.0

Abstract:

The thermal characteristics of two graphite epoxy composites for use as aircraft structural components have been investigated. The activation energies and heats of reaction for pyrolysis of the composites were found to be 19.7 kcalmole and -18.4 calg for 3501-6AS and 25.0 kcalmole and -20.4 calg for 5208T300, respectively. The kinetic parameters enable prediction of thermal degradation at flight temperatures. In fire fighting, bulk material temperatures must be reduced well below 300 C to prevent continuation of exothermic pyrolysis reactions. It was also found that differential scanning calorimetry provides a more sensitive test of composite cure than reflectance infrared measurements. Author

Descriptors:

• *AIRCRAFT
• *COMPOSITE MATERIALS
• *COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
• *GRAPHITE
• *EPOXY RESINS
• DEGRADATION
• PREDICTIONS
• AIRFRAMES
• CURING
• PYROLYSIS
• CALORIMETRY
• ACTIVATION ENERGY
• HEAT OF FORMATION
• THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS

Subject Categories:

• Aircraft
• Laminates and Composite Materials

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE