Aerospace Thermoplastic Composites Durability

Summary
Date	2022-?
Keywords	composites, thermoplastics, durability, ageing, aerospace, PEEK, PPS, carbon fiber

Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (CF/PPS, CF/PEI, CF/PEEK) are prime candidates for next-generation aerospace structures thanks to their high specific stiffness, chemical resistance, and weldability. However, understanding their long-term durability under realistic service conditions — thermal cycling, moisture absorption, UV exposure — is critical before broader adoption in primary structures.

This project characterizes the degradation mechanisms and residual mechanical performance of thermoplastic composite laminates after accelerated ageing protocols. By combining microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing, the research builds predictive models of performance evolution that inform maintenance schedules and end-of-life criteria for thermoplastic composite structures.

Work published in Composites Part A (2025) reports the ageing behaviour of several thermoplastic composite systems under hydrothermal and thermal cycling conditions, identifying matrix-dominated failure modes and interfacial degradation as the primary drivers of property loss.