The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mechanical behavior under high-temperature conditions of FRCM systems. Different FRCM composites are evaluated and include carbon fabrics ranging from dry to highly-impregnated with an organic resin. The experimental spectrum is comprised of uniaxial tensile and double-shear bond tests performed under temperatures ranging from 20 to 120 °C to determine the influence of temperature over the FRCM mechanical properties. Furthermore, SEM analysis was used to study the damage processes at the fiber-matrix interface post tensile testing. Experimental results show variations in the FRCM mechanical properties if tested at high temperature conditions (caused by the deterioration of the resin coating at the interface fiber-matrix) while residual performance after exposure to elevated temperatures remains unchanged. FRCM reinforced with dry fabrics has proven not to be affected by temperatures up to 120 °C.
A numerical model using a fracture variational approach, based on incremental energy minimization, was also developed to simulate the FRCM behavior in double shear tests under different temperatures exposition.