The aim of this study was to examine the impact of weathering and thermal shocks on the abrasive wear of epoxy resin composites reinforced with carbon fabric that are commonly used in aviation. The composite was exposed to degradation in an apparatus simulating weathering and thermal shocks and then subjected to an abrasion process, with and without the presence of water. The abrasive wear was controlled by checking the weight loss as well as by visual inspection. The research findings indicated a significant effect of the presence of water in the process of friction upon the deterioration of composite resistance to abrasion with regard to dry friction. The long-term impact of rapid cyclic temperature changes (temperature difference: from −56.5 °C to +60 °C) and a combined effect of UV-A (0.83 W/m²), along with condensation of vapor and an increased ambient temperature (above 50 °C), influenced an improvement in resistance to abrasive wear. The environment of thermal shocks diminished abrasive wear to a much smaller extent than after exploitation in an environment of weathering but both environments contributed to the degradation of the surface layer. Additionally, the environment with UV-A radiation resulted in exposure of the composite reinforcement already after four months of environmental impact.

This article describes the results of tribological research into epoxy-based composites reinforced with carbon fiber. The composites were subjected to accelerated tests simulating a semi-annual influence of environmental conditions of an elevated temperature, precipitation in combination with an influence of UV-A radiation of 0.83 W/m 2 as well as cyclic thermal shocks causing a leap temperature difference of 116.5°C. The process of friction was conducted in conditions of dry friction and wet friction in the presence of water. The authors found a positive influence of a two-month impact of environmental conditions upon increasing wear resistance. They found a reduction in weight in conditions of friction with water. At the same time, a reliability analysis for the same boundary conditions showed an increased risk of critical composite damage. The article indicates areas of safe exploitation of composites and areas of the necessity of withdrawing composites from further exploitation under the assumed environmental and tribological loads.