LAUSR

Abstract Epoxy based composites are widely being used in aviation, automotive and construction industries due to their high strength and stiffness to weight ratios and good electrochemical corrosion resistance properties. During their exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and high temperature, the epoxy matrix suffers significant degradation leading to detrimental effects on the mechanical properties of the entire composite. In this study the benefits of application of thin metallic films that can act as protective barriers to UV radiation's damaging effects on the epoxy are evaluated. Aluminum, copper, titanium and zirconium coatings are deposited on the epoxy substrates using high vacuum DC magnetron sputtering technique. All metallic coatings provided protection to the epoxy substrate exposed to UV radiation where the aluminum offered the highest and zirconium the least amount of protection.