Carbon nanofiber reinforced syntactic foams: Degradation mechanism for long term moisture exposure and residual compressive properties

Hollow particle filled polymer matrix composites, called syntactic foams, are challenging for studies related to environmental exposure and degradation mechanisms due to the possible role of matrix, particle-matrix interface, and particle material and wall thickness. In the current study, syntactic foams reinforced with 1 wt.% vapor grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are subjected to water immersion and characterized for residual compressive properties under quasi-static and high strain rates. The testing is conducted on four different types of syntactic foams, fabricated with glass hollow particles of two different densities: 220 and 460 kg/m3 in 30 and 50 vol.% quantities. After a period of 6 months, a maximum of 7% weight gain is observed in the worst performing syntactic foam. The exposed specimens are tested for residual compressive properties and the results are compared with the properties of dry specimens. The quasi-static compressive strength of CNF reinforced syntactic foams is found to decrease and the modulus remained unaffected due to the moisture exposure. The high strain rate compressive strength was 1.3-2.2 times higher for wet and dry specimens compared to the quasi-static strength of the same type of syntactic foams.