%0 journal article
%@ 0263-8223
%A Borba, N., dos Santos, J., Amancio-Filho, S.

%D 2021
%J Composite Structures

%P 112871 
%R doi:10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.112871
%T Hydrothermal aging of friction riveted thermoplastic composite joints for aircraft applications
%U https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.112871
 
%X In this paper, the sensitivity of carbon fiber reinforced polyether-ether-ketone friction riveted joints to hydrothermal aging was assessed, addressing the degradation mechanisms and post-aged quasi-static mechanical behavior of the joints. The joints were exposed to 71 °C and 95 % relative humidity for 28 days. Despite the oxidation of the metallic nut and washer as well as cavitation and degradation of the composite, a 23 % increase of joint mechanical performance was observed after 28 days of exposure. It is believed that the temperature and water uptake drove matrix post-crystallization at the surface of the fibers, which led to local strengthening of the composite in the rivet surrounding and, consequently, improved the joint residual strength.