Influence of microstructure of carbon fibre reinforced polymer on the metal in contact

Abstract

The influence of the microstructure of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) with epoxy matrix (E-CFRP) and nylon matrix (T-CFRP) on the galvanic behaviour of DP590 steel, 6022-aluminium alloy, 1040-steel and AZ31-magnesium alloy was investigated in the GMW14872 solution. The E-CFRP/metal couples were initially more galvanic corrosion resistant, but their galvanic corrosion gradually became more severe than the T-CFRP/metal couples. The effective micro-defects in the surface polymer layer of the CFRP samples critically determined the galvanic corrosion. A detailed surface layer model was proposed, the electrochemical processes through the surface polymer layers during galvanic corrosion were discussed. A better understanding on the microstructure of CFRP determined by composites manufacture process can be obtained.