Effect of microscale oil penetration on mechanical and chemical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract The effects of microscale oil penetration on mechanical and chemical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites were investigated to address the adverse effects of lubricating oil on lightweight composites and improve the oil-proof performance of composites. The CFRP composites were confirmed to have lower mechanical properties after impregnation with oil at elevated temperature due to microscale oil penetration in the vicinity of carbon fibers on the surface of epoxy composite, and a high resin content and high heat curing conversion of epoxy polymer could reduce the oil absorption and tensile strength reduction of CFRP composite.